Preschoolers learn about healthy lifestyles…
JCC Kids
CATCH
Healthy Habits JCC Association program targets childhood obesity
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e are excited to be an active partner in First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative to overcome childhood obesity, a real and growing problem in our communities. Obesity in children can lead to a long list of bad outcomes: diabetes, heart disease, poor school performance, and bullying. We have developed a program for JCC early childhood centers that is designed to nurture a love of physical activity in children ages 3–5.
Photo courtesy of Harry & Rose Samson Family JCC
First, Discover: CATCH Early Childhood is based on a foundation of Jewish values, including Sh’mirat HaGuf or “taking care of our bodies.” Modeled after a nationally recognized afterschool program developed at the University of Texas, Discover: CATCH Early Childhood provides an environment where physical activity, health education and healthy eating behaviors are valued and taught. But Discover: CATCH is also fun. Both children and adults enjoy participating. The initiative contains three major components: integrated Jewish values, physical education activities, and nutrition education. The program employs a holistic approach to child health by involving teachers, children and families. Like the First Lady, we believe we can do something to make our children healthier.
Annual Report 2011
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