Fit for Life Weekend hopes to reverse childhood obesity trends
By: Morgan Thomas
Updated: May 9, 2012
The goal of Fit for Life is improving the health of Americans, especially in Northwest Louisiana. The Centers for Disease Control report childhood obesity rates have tripled over the last thirty years.
Coach Juan Plaza doesn't waste a second getting Waller Elementary students active.
"My philosophy as a physical education teacher is to keep them moving," said Plaza.
He tries to work in as much exercise as he can because it may be all they'll get all day.
"Kids are more self conscious today because they're a little heavier, not as healthy.... Kids all of a sudden don't want to participate," said Plaza.
Plaza believes working out makes you healthier physically, but also mentally.
"We can come out here and time kids in a 40 yard dash... We can see how tall they are and all that, but you can't measure self-esteem or self-worth," said Plaza.
Plaza says a healthy child: mind, body and soul should be a parent's top priority. The best advice Coach Juan Plaza has for parents is getting out there with your kids because you'll both be healthier in the long run.
"Get out there and get involved with them, go walk in the park with them, ride bikes with them," said Plaza.
Which is the mindset behind Robert "Super Mann" Blount's Fit for Life weekend.
"Conceived to bring about fitness and health awareness not just to children, but to their parents and the state of Louisiana," said Blount.
Fifth graders got a preview of what's going on this weekend. Caddo Schools Superintendent is on board.
"To learn just constructive activities they can use over the summer and for the rest of their lives," said Gerald Dawkins, Caddo Parish Schools Superintendent.
In order to be a success, the Fit for Life program will need to get the next generation going.
"Type II Diabetes, being overweight, growing up with low self-esteem... this will help cut or stop those trends," said Blount.
Fit for Life Weekend events begin at 9 A.M. Saturday at the Shreveport Convention Center. Click here for a schedule of events.
