Marla York and her 10-year-old daughter, Rania, used to grab many of their dinners at fast food restaurants because it was quick and easy and they were tired and hungry. Physical fitness didn’t really figure into their busy lives.   

 

“She used to hate to walk and exercise,” Marla says of her daughter.

 

Concerned about Rania’s lack of activity and a family history of diabetes and high blood pressure, Marla signed them up for Strong Kids/Strong Teens, a comprehensive health and wellness program offered through Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic.

 

The nine-month program, conducted at local YMCAs, exposes children ages 8 to 14 and their parents to a variety of fun physical activities designed to increase self esteem, fitness and health awareness. They also learn from a nutritionist how to shop for, plan and prepare healthy meals and snacks.

 

“We’re planting the seeds for healthy lifestyle changes,” says Linda Murtfeldt, a certified nutritionist at Odessa Brown.

Rania, who started the program in October, has discovered, among other things, a fondness for soccer, a sport she’d never played, and jicama, a vegetable she’d never tried.

 

“I feel better,” she says.

 

Marla, a single mom who works full time, says she feels better, too. She’s buying more fruits and vegetables, and planning and preparing snacks and meals ahead of time so that they always have healthy alternatives to fast food and empty-calorie munchies.

 

“I want to teach Rania better habits,” she says. “It’s a process, and you have to be patient. Change is gradual. But I think she’s learning the importance of nutrition and exercise.”