STEPS IN A HEALTHY DIRECTION

For many children entering middle school age (11 to 13 years of age) is a difficult period of ups and downs. This point in time seems like being in a roller coaster with thoughts, ideas, feelings and emotions going in all different directions. This is when puberty manifests itself, bringing about bodily and physical changes that youth can’t control nor quite understand. To add to this there is also peer pressure and social insecurity. As their bodies change, so do their social interactions. It’s a period when communication, support and education from trusted adults are very much needed.
 
This past summer, Extension Services offered a nutrition education program called “Summer Sizzling Program” for middle school age youth. The one week program was offered in two sessions addressing a variety of topics. Youth not only learned concepts such as food groups, nutrients in food, processed and unprocessed food and portion control. They also “experienced” how increased body fat impact on physical activity by carrying sand backs while doing different physical activities like jumping ropes. Youth learned about how the food, media and advertisement industry sell their products through the use of “perfect body” images. They practiced critical thinking and being savvy consumers as they “experienced” reading labels and comparing prices of food at a local chain supermarket. Youth enjoyed literally getting their hands in food as they learned how to make healthy quick meals like whole wheat pasta with vegetables, canned salmon patties, carrots and pineapple salad and tasty snacks like yogurt parfaits, fruit smoothies and oatmeal raisin cookies containing puree zucchini.
 
At Osceola County Extension Services we continue to work with this age group all year around at schools and after schools programs teaching youth about healthy food choices, calories, portion size and physical activity. Learning how to look and think critically at the messages that social media throws at them about “how they need to look like” is important.  Middle school age youth need guidance and support as they are constantly looking for attention from peers and at home. Let us lead the way and provide them with small steps and opportunities to head in the right and healthy direction.
 
For more information about the University of Florida Extension Service nutrition education programs visit our website http://osceola.ifas.ufl.edu/ or call 321/697-3000.