As the coordinator of a new health program for youth in Squamish, Brent Goodman wants tweens and teens to limit their screen time and analyze how North American food culture pushes poor nutrition.
“There are social pressures all around us – what we eat, our portion sizes, too much pop and refined sugar,” said Goodman, who is leading MEND, Mind, Exercise, Nutrition… Do it!, a free 10-week program run by Sea to Sky Community Services that begins on Jan. 16.
It’s designed for families with children aged seven to 13 who want to improve their diet and become more active. The twice-weekly sessions are a mix of practical family activities, including how to read labels properly, tips on portion control and physical games for the youth.
Families will participate in an activity together during the first hour, then parents will stay behind to discuss a health-related issue while the children take part in a physical game outside.
“The ages seven to 13 is a critical stage before they are adults where they can learn healthy lifelong behaviours and choices,” said Goodman.
“The program is designed to be simple and without judgement. We provide nutritional information and personal training – all for free.”
Even though Squamish residents are generally healthy and active, Goodman said the program will give participants a boost by making them look at ways they could change their lifestyle for the better.
One aspect Squamish youth could improve on is spending less time in front of screens – computers, cellphones, videogames or TVs.
Incorporating exercise is part of learning “physical literacy,” said Goodman, adding the B.C. school timetables don’t allow much time for physical activity and students have become more stationary during day.
“The North American food culture isn’t the healthiest. There’s pressure to eat refined sugar and fatty foods, not necessarily vegetables, fruit and whole grains, especially during the holiday that just passed,” he added.
Sea to Sky Community Services worked with the YMCA to bring the program, which originated in the United Kingdom, to Squamish in partnership with District of Squamish Recreation Services.
The program originally helped combat youth obesity in Europe, but since this problem isn’t as significant in Squamish, Goodman is focusing on improving overall health.
“The important skills families learn by having fun in the program can transfer into healthy lifelong habits,” he said.
MEND runs from Jan. 16 to March 20 on Tuesdays from 5:45 to 7:45 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:45 to 12:45 p.m. at Brennan Park Recreation Centre. To register for the program, contact Goodman at [email protected] or 604-848-9735.
