EXTENSION REPORT

Summer Fun for a Healthier Lifestyle

Americans in general are dangerously overweight and obese; this growing trend is literally shortening the lives of adults and sweeping its way into the ranks of children.

According to the American Obesity Association, African American women and young girls are at highest risk.  According to AOA, 78 percent of African American women are overweight; 51 percent are obese.  A study published in the January issue of the Journal of Pediatrics shows that girl’s who become overweight while children tend to remain at increased risk through young adulthood. Furthermore the study suggests, for the first time, that girls are most likely to become overweight in the years immediately before puberty.

The BET (Black Entertainment Television) Foundation has invited the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Urban Program Unit to host their Summer Camp for girl’s ages 10-12 years who are overweight. This camp is part of the BET Foundation National Health Initiative. The purpose of this camp is to help overweight/obese girls to lose weight, build self-esteem, prepare nutritional meals, healthy snacks and learn portion control. The girls will eat healthy on a 1,600 calorie diet for seven days at the camp.

The secondary focus of Healthy BET is overall awareness throughout the community regarding healthy living, prevention, and nutrition. The BET Foundation Summer Camp for Girls is a seven day camp to be held August 4th – 11th at the Alabama 4-H Youth Development Center, located in Columbiana, Alabama (38 miles from Birmingham, AL). Log on to and click on to 4-H Youth Development Center to view the camp site.

Who can attend the camp? Girls ages 10-12 years of age by August 11, 2007 who are overweight or obese. Camp tuition is free and will be paid by the BET Foundation. Applications will be accepted by logging onto starting June 1, 2007 and ending July 1, 2007. Mother or guardians must apply on-line by writing a 150 word essay and tell:

Why you think your girl should attend the BET Summer Camp for Girls.

How you and others will help her to maintain a healthier lifestyle.

How you plan to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

Your girl’s weight, height and age.

Your home address, email and phone number.

There are some healthy lifestyle tips for parents to help your girl everyday. Make sure your child eats breakfast everyday. Breakfast provides children with the energy they need to listen and learn in school and helps to stabilize their appetite throughout the day.

Offer your child a wide variety of foods, such as grains, vegetables and fruits, low-fat dairy products, lean meats or beans, and healthy snacks, low in fat, sodium, calories and sugar. Involve your child in planning and preparing meals. Children may be more willing to eat the dishes they help fix. Be a role model for your children. If they see you being physically active and having fun, they are more likely to be active and stay active through out their lives. Involve the whole family in activities like walking, biking, dancing, basketball or roller skating. Always consult your physician to determine a proper nutrition and exercise program for your girl and for you.

There are many exciting events and guest appearances planned for the participants at the BET Summer Camp so log on today to nominate your girl in this once in a life time exciting event. There is no purchase necessary to register and is open to legal residents of the United States. Legal parent or guardian must be twenty one years old or older. For more information please contact Amanda Outlaw, Urban Regional Extension Agent at 251-574-8445 or 251-654-5934.

Email address: aoutlaw@aces.edu
Phone: 937-7176 or 943-5611, 928-0860, ext. 2222

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work in agriculture and home economics, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, and other related acts, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) offers educational programs, materials, and equal opportunity employment to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability.