"Fit & Lovin' It" Program A Huge Success

February 1, 2011

Valley County Health System and the University of Nebraska Extension partnered to offer the "Fit & Lovin' It" program for area 5th graders on January 26, 2011 at the Valley County Fairgrounds. The program was made possible by a $10,000 grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska through the 2010 BlueHealth Advantage Wellness Grant program. 

The "Fit and Lovin' It" program provided a learning opportunity for nearly 250 area 5th grade students to increase awareness, encourage skill enhancement and foster positive attitudes toward individual health. Students participated in seven 30-minute sessions about seat belt use, physical activity, the importance of breakfast, healthy snacks, video fitness, web-based health and saying no to tobacco. The students were provided with a healthy lunch catered by Sandstone Grill.  They also received t-shirts and bags filled with healthy lifestyle items and information. 

Schools that participated were Arcadia, Burwell, Centura, Elyria District #63, Greeley Wolbach, Litchfield, Loup City, Loup County, North Loup Scotia, Ord, Ord St. Mary's, St Paul, St Libory-Chapman and Vinton District # 23. 

Presenters for the program included: 

  • Amy Peterson, UNL Extension Educator: Web-based Health
  • Wanda Koszewski, UNL Nutrition Specialist: The Case for Breakfast
  • Kayla Hinrichs, UNL Extension Educator: Healthy Snacks
  • Janet Hanna, UNL Extension Educator: Say No to Tobacco
  • Jonathan Tomjack, Personal Trainer at New Beginnings Fitness Center: Physical Activity
  • Trooper Beethe and Trooper Schultze, Nebraska State Patrol: Seat Belts
  • Janet Sanders, Loup Basin Technology Center and Savannah Seamann, 4-H Volunteer: Video Fitness

Additional support to make the day possible was donated by Grocery Kart, Kebler Company, Wonder Bread Company and General Mills.

It is hoped through this day, youth will feel empowered to make steps toward a healthier lifestyle.

Pictured: State Trooper Dale Beethe teaches the importance of wearing a seat belt by demonstrating the rollover simulator.