| Calendar Item: BodyWorks Program Workshop - Clearfield | |||||||||||||
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BodyWorks Program Empowers Parents To Build Healthier Families Davis County Health Department announces two BodyWorks program workshops and introduces a new website as a valuable resource for related information. BodyWorks is a hands-on program designed to assist parents and caregivers with children ages 9-17 about implementing positive changes in their family’s behaviors and attitudes about healthy lifestyle choices. BodyWorks first 6-week workshop begins Thursday, April 5, at 6:30 p.m. at Davis County Health Department’s Conference Room 2021 (22 South State Street) in Clearfield. Another workshop starts Tuesday, June 5, at 6 p.m. at the Davis County Health Department's Conference Room 2021 (22 South State Street) in Clearfield. Both workshops are no cost to parents of those ages 9-17. Current information on BodyWorks registration, schedules, and resources for parents is available at www.daviscountyutah.gov/bodyworks. Issues concerning the health, weight, eating behaviors, physical activity, and body-image of Utah’s youth are of growing concern. According to the Utah Department of Health’s website, in 2011, 59% of adults and 21% of adolescents in Utah were overweight putting them at greater risk for diabetes, adult obesity and chronic diseases such as cancers and cardiovascular disorders. Bonnie Athas, the county health department’s Health Promotion Bureau manager and registered dietitian said, “I am not surprised that research continues to show that many adolescents have poor eating habits and decreased physical activity. Many adolescents skip breakfast, have non nutritious lunches, and don’t eat dinner with their families.” Adolescence marks an important period when both pre-teen and teens adopt eating and exercise habits that last a lifetime. Jonelle Rowe MD, MA, is the senior medical advisor for adolescent women’s health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. She said, “There are also many social consequences of unhealthy attitudes and behaviors about food, exercise and weight for adolescents including decreased self-esteem and self-worth, increased anxiety and depression, and have increased likelihood of potential eating and exercise disorders.” Parents can play an especially important role in impacting these behaviors. According to Davis County Health Department’s Family Health & Senior Services Division director, Sally Kershisnik, “Parents are seen as key players in the prevention of weight-related issues. Protective factors for unhealthy behaviors in children and adolescents include family meal frequency, family food and meal atmosphere, self-esteem/body esteem and positive relationships.” BodyWorks sessions are led by certified trainers and the instructors include health educators, physicians, dietitians, motivational speakers, and physical fitness professionals who are committed to the health of Utah teenagers and families. The program is provided and facilitated by Davis County Health Department. Parents who enroll in the BodyWorks program will receive the BodyWorks toolkit. The toolkit serves as a guide to creating an overall healthy lifestyle. It includes a video on ideas for shopping and cooking strategies, a recipe book, food and fitness journals, weekly meal planner refrigerator magnet, and a pedometer. Visit the BodyWorks website to register online. Openings are still available in both scheduled sessions. For more information on BodyWorks, contact Cyndi Harding at 801-525-5064.
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