Volume 14, Number 5: September 2006
Capital Health Plan CHAMPIONS
Powered by Titus Sports Academy
It is a bold idea, a huge effort, a remarkable partnership, a life-changing project, and a whole lot of jump-up-and-down fun.
It is CHP Champions, a new after-school fitness program for public schools. Capital Health Plan is the founding partner, collaborating with Titus Sports Academy, Leon County Public Schools, and WorldClass Schools (a program of the Tallahassee Chamber).
The free, voluntary program-pilot-tested last year-gets kids moving through play and enjoyable exercises. Dr. Nancy Van Vessem, CHP's chief medical officer, explains, "Childhood obesity is a national crisis. Through this exciting and innovative partnership, we believe we will prevent future health problems by planting the seeds of a healthy lifestyle now."
CHP Champions will begin this fall in 10 Leon County schools, expand to 20 during this school year, operate county-wide in two years, and extend to Gadsden, Jefferson, and Wakulla counties within five years.
THE WORKOUT: FUN FITNESS FOR LIFE. Titus Sports Academy is a nationwide sports conditioning group with a center in Tallahassee. These professionals have created entertaining activities that target fitness, endurance, motor skills (flexibility, balance, strength, coordination)-and also enthusiasm and motivation. "The energy, excitement, and confidence this program unleashes in the children will lay the groundwork for a healthy lifestyle and even brighter future," says Titus CEO Adam Faurot.
Parent involvement is important and welcome. Students and parents interested in participating or learning more about CHP Champions will receive information after the school year begins. In the meantime, 'unplug' your kids and send them out to play.
In the pilot of CHP Champions, almost 150 elementary students took part. A perfect 100% of parents said their kids enjoyed it. While having fun, more than 70% of the children improved in fitness. Benefits bloomed at home and school too, with children reportedly more active all day long and concentrating better in the classroom.
ON TRACK AND KEEPING TRACK. Our area is in the vanguard for attacking childhood obesity. In 2004, Leon County Schools completed a first-ever study of students' BMI (Body Mass Index). Some 36% of students were either overweight or at risk to become overweight. The study provided a true picture of local children's wellness, as well as a baseline against which to measure the success of CHP Champions.
The program's goals include involving 40% of all students within five years, reducing the number of overweight or at-risk students by 20%, and reducing BMI in 40% of the students who are overweight or at-risk.