November 18, 2009

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Center (MHRC) Healthy Happy Kids Nutrition and Physical Activity Program has teamed with West End Community School at Princeton Elementary to introduce 70 children in the after-school program to the importance of nutrition and exercise. The program culminates with an "Iron Chef and Physical Activity Finale" in which the children will present what they have learned and compete in a healthy snack preparation contest.

The event will take place Thursday, November 19 from 3:15-4:45 p.m. at Princeton Elementary School, 1425 2nd Avenue West.

This final session will be led by the UAB MHRC Young Professionals Board (YPB). The board raised funds at its recent "Casino Royale" fundraiser to bring the Healthy Happy Kids program to the West End Community. Volunteer YPB members will serve as executive chefs, sous chefs, judges and greeters as they lead the children in a fun "Iron Chef" competition to choose the best healthy snack.

Healthy Happy Kids, is a free, hands-on, six session curriculum targeting underserved elementary school children attending after-school programs in inner city schools. It is designed, implemented and funded by UAB MHRC to help reduce and prevent childhood obesity. The children learn lessons on the food pyramid and calorie balance, and prepare their own healthy snack each session. There also are interactive lessons on the importance of daily physical activity and easy and fun games that promote physical activity. Each child receives a free Healthy Happy Kids Kit including back pack, chef hat and apron, T-shirt, jump rope, Frisbee, and recipe and game cards for participating. The UAB MHRC has conducted Healthy Happy Kids in several Birmingham area public schools, including Central Park and Princeton in the West End Community.