Start early to show exercise is important

By DONNA HICKMAN\Daily Journal Staff Writer

Published: Monday, March 19, 2007
Updated: Monday, March 19, 2007 10:40 AM CDT

BONNE TERRE - They pass imaginary footballs.

Toss make-believe baseballs.

Zoom around the room making sounds like race cars. Swim in the air. Tumble on the floor like gymnasts.

But it's not recess.

It's the lesson.

Preschoolers at North County Educational Center are learning how exercise keeps them healthy. It's part of the Stretch-N-Grow program, a franchise begun 15 years ago and operated locally by Beth Pack, a physical therapist and mom who knows good habits start early.

“If you reach kids at a young age the kids will see exercise as fun and exciting,” said Pack.

Parents pay for the class at their daycare center to allow their kids to workout once a week for 30 to 45 minutes. It's considered an extra-curricular activity.

In a recent session, teacher Karen LaBrot positioned a series of brightly-colored plastic cups on a mat along with a star, tunnel and bean bags.

“This is our obstacle course,” she told the group of eager exercisers. “You go around each cup, then stop at the star and do five jumping jacks. Then, go through the tunnel and pick up a bean bag on the other side.”

With high-energy music playing and a few directions given by the teachers, the children line up and get-going.

“I can go fast!” said Ryan.

“I'm gonna wiggle through the tunnel,” said Clayton.

Afterward, the kids sat down on the floor and with guidance from Pack, they pointed to and named their muscle groups.

Hamstring.

“It sounds like something to eat,” said Pack.

Tibias.

Gluteus maximus.

Then, they made pizza - Not the kind you eat, but the kind that gives you exercise.

They pushed their bodies up from the floor using their arms as they “crushed tomatoes” for the sauce. They “spread the sauce” by stretching their arms down their legs to their toes and slowly sitting back up. They worked their arms putting make-believe toppings on the pizza and then cooked it by stretching their arms down their legs to their toes once again and holding them there to the count of 10.

“Get the crumbs out of the middle!” Pack cautioned, and so, with their legs stretched to each side, the children leaned forward to the middle and used their arms to clear them away.

The kids say it is their favorite exercise.

Pack said parents have told the teachers their children come home and tell them about the exercise and the other healthy habits they learn.

“Let's name some healthy foods,” Pack said to the kids.

Among the responses: ham, steak, green beans, potatoes, chicken legs, pickles, carrots, broccoli, tomatoes and peas.

Emily Rion recites why vitamins do a body good.

“Vitamin A is for your eyes. B helps you run faster. C helps your nose if you have a cold,” she explains.

At the end, they all get a stamp for their hands that reads, “I love Stretch-N-Grow.”

“Kids today have a sedentary lifestyle and eat junk food,” said Pack. “These days, kids stay inside in front of computers and TVs. With things the way they are, kids are not allowed to roam in the neighborhood the way they once did. We have to do something to change things.”

At North County Middle School, Melinda Carylon is trying to change things for her students. This year after school, she's started a Health and Wellness Club. She is spurred on by her own efforts at weight loss and exercise. She's lost 55 pounds and so, through announcements over the school intercom, she's encouraged students to join her for a workout. At most, she's had five girls who exercise to videotapes, go for walks or lift weights. Eighth grader Dorothy Nickens has been a regular.

“If I weren't here, I'd probably be home talking on the phone or playing video games,” said Nickens.

With Carylon to show her, she lifts 1-pound or 3-pound weights to work her arms.

“Someone told me they saw you running more in P.E. than what you have been,” said Carylon to her student. Nickens smiles and says her mother is also encouraging her.

Carylon sees the need for such extra encouragement among the students she teaches.

“When I was Dorothy's age, in my house, we did not have junk food. We did not eat snacks. We went home and played outside,” she explained. “It's the inactivity and the processed foods that are hurting our kids.”

She said in her own household, she's learned to keep whole grain foods in the pantry and bottles of water because her four children are more likely to drink it all if they've got a bottle of water to finish.

Carylon hosts the workout sessions in her classroom for about 45 minutes immediately after school four times a week. She hopes to attract more students who perhaps aren't involved in sports, but want the chance to work out.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The Daily Journal is making an effort to help our readers Take Control of their lives. We will run stories throughout 2007 dealing with all areas of life including: Health, Personal finances, medical emergencies, safety and understanding your rights and responsibilities as a citizen. If you have issues you would like to see us tackle, call us at (573) 431-2010.

Archives Web Site Marketplace Obits Babies Jobs