Media contact: Anna Jones
In Birmingham, Alabama, the commitment to fostering the potential of young athletes extends far beyond the playing field. That is why experts at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have partnered with Bama Wellness Advocacy to launch a revolutionary nutrition program for athletes in Birmingham City Schools. The new program emphasizes the significance of proper nutrition, as well as the importance of self-wellness factors such as sleep, ultimately aiming to enhance the overall performance and well-being of student-athletes.
The program is led by James Jones, head athletic trainer for the UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Birmingham City Schools. He serves as the direct medical liaison between UAB Sports and Exercise Medicine and Birmingham City Schools, scholar-athletes and their parents. Recognizing a critical need among these students, Jones joined forces with Jacquie Fazekas, board president of Bama Wellness Advocacy, to conceptualize a comprehensive 12-week nutrition program. The initiative was significantly boosted through UAB’s Give as One campaign, which provided additional financial support to kick-start the program.
“Being in this position for the last 24 years, I have observed the necessity to help with nutrition education to assist in not only athletic but academic performance as well,” Jones said. “The opportunity to gain additional funds through UAB’s Give as One campaign provided the financial resources to pilot a program on nutrition education, and it is our hope and work at this time to make sure this program can be scaled to other sports and as a result into the entire Birmingham City Schools community.”
Jones noticed that many athletes lacked awareness of their nutrition when it came to what they ate, and it was affecting their performance both on and off the court.
“We saw issues arising due to nutritional deficits, including hydration problems and frequent cramping during sports seasons,” Jones said.
He partnered with Fazekas, a certified health coach, and they both embarked on a mission to educate students about the transformative power of healthy eating habits and lifestyle choices.
“Our aim is not just to enhance athletic performance but to foster overall well-being,” Fazekas said.
The program includes weekly sessions covering various health topics, interactive food demonstrations, taste-testing sessions, and the distribution of nutritious food items to students and their families.
The pilot program initially targeted basketball teams at Huffman High and Ramsay High schools, two institutions renowned for their athletic achievements. The overwhelmingly positive response from students, families and coaches highlighted the program’s potential for broader implementation.
“Nutrition, rest, recovery and the words you speak to yourself — the way you feed yourself matters, and we tried to teach the students that,” Fazekas said.
Looking ahead, Jones and Bama Wellness Advocacy, with the continued support of UAB Orthopaedic Surgery and UAB Sports and Exercise Medicine, aim to expand the program to encompass other sports and collaborate with additional community partners to amplify its reach.
According to Jones, athletics is just the beginning of this program, with the ultimate vision extending to students across the entire school system. Calvin Spellmon Jr., M.D., assistant professor in the UAB Department of Family and Community Medicine and medical director for Birmingham City Schools, commended Jones and the program.
“I am excited about the work James has done in designing and implementing this project,” Spellmon said. “It is a great program to introduce, as nutrition for these children is of utmost importance. As they say, ‘we are what we eat,’ or lack thereof.”
The program’s initial success underscores the pivotal role played by community collaboration and philanthropic support. Fred Horton, the executive administrator for the UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, emphasized the importance of UAB’s involvement in initiatives that promote nutritional education and overall well-being among student-athletes.
“Our participation in initiatives like the Give as One campaign solidifies UAB’s commitment to supporting the local community and nurturing the potential of our youth,” Horton said. “Our involvement further supports our department’s mission to be seen as a leading provider in all aspects of our athletes’ health.”
As the program continues to evolve, the UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and UAB Sports and Exercise Medicine remain steadfast in their dedication to empowering student-athletes with the knowledge and resources needed to thrive both on and off the field. Through these types of initiatives, Birmingham’s young athletes are not only equipped with the tools for success but also inspired to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.