Inspiring an Active Lifestyle
Visit any Boys & Girls Club and you’ll see activity around every corner – members jumping, running, swimming, dancing and playing pick-up basketball. Every day our Clubs strive to be a center of positive activity, youth development and community.
In the last few years, these activities have gained increased attention and focus in light of the growing epidemic of childhood obesity. A recent study found that one in five 4-year-olds in Boston are considered obese. This challenge has significant implications for our members and their families – adversely affecting their academic performance, self-confidence, and healthy youth development. The causes of obesity are systemic and complex and include the increased prevalence of video games and television, high-calorie foods and beverages, cutbacks in school and recreational programs, and lack of access to healthy produce and food choices.
Unfortunately, childhood obesity is accelerating at an alarming rate. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the percentage of children who are overweight has tripled since the 1970s. Among children ages 6 through 11, the rate climbed from 6.5% to 18.8%. And, among economically challenged, black or Hispanic children, the rate is significantly higher.
Tough challenges require strong partnerships with new ideas and a shared commitment. This year Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston and the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation launched an initiative as part of the Foundation’s “Let’s Get Moving!” campaign to promote children’s healthy weight, fitness and nutrition.
“It is a pleasure to work with Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston because they understand the need for consistent physical activity for our children, especially with the lack of opportunity in school,” said Karen Voci, Executive Director of the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation. “They are well-suited to implement this program to all of their constituents.”
The initiative launched with a pilot program at our Blue Hill Club in Dorchester. Throughout the spring of 2008, more than 270 members ages 6-12 participated in a five-week after-school program. The goal of the daily program was to increase rigorous physical activity and to promote fitness and wellness. The Club’s Athletic Director, Carl Thompson, designed a curriculum that featured a variety of endurance activities for the first 15 minutes of the members’ gym rotation. The youth rotated through five-minute drills of push-ups, sit-ups and running. For each timed rotation, the boys and girls were encouraged to complete their maximum number of push-ups and sit-ups and an improved time for lap completion.
Over the course of the program period, Thompson tracked a sample of 40 participants’ performance as a way to measure the program’s effectiveness. Among the subgroup, the average time for the laps dropped by 15 seconds and the average number of push-ups and sit-ups increased by six and seven respectively.
The numbers only tell part of the story of the program’s success. Thompson says, “How many kids do you know who look forward to exercising? I think the biggest achievement of “Let’s Get Moving!” is how it motivates the kids by showing them their progress. They looked forward to getting into the gym and doing the activities each day.” In addition, Thompson heard from parents and members about their improved healthy choices and fitness. The impact of the program went beyond the Club’s walls.
Sparking an enthusiasm for evidence-based activity is the first step to achieving the initiatives’ larger goal of reversing the trend toward obesity. “Childhood obesity is a serious challenge for our region and for our children. We’re committed to giving children and parents the tools they need to live a healthier lifestyle,” said Voci. “In partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston and their wonderful staff, we hope to create sustained impact across Boston.”
The success of the pilot and positive feedback of the members has inspired continued collaboration and program expansion that will include staff training, a focus on nutrition, and parental engagement. A more comprehensive approach will increase awareness and impact.
Jean Comeau, Director of Operations at Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, added, “We are always seeking ways to broaden our reach and deepen our impact. Our partnership with Harvard Pilgrim is enabling us to accomplish this in the area of health and fitness, a critical element of our core programming."