The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer
jgibson@tribunemedia.net

“STEP UP” a new initiative to promote fitness and active lifestyles in children and teens is set for launch on Thursday.

Melanie Hutcheson corporate communications officer of Colina Insurance Limited said the programme is designed to address three key components of child wellness: nutrition, fitness and preventive healthcare.

“Step Up” was established in response to statistics which show the percentage of overweight children in the Bahamas aged 6 to 11 increased from 6.5 per cent in 1980 to 19.6 per cent in 2008,. Reduced physical activity and excess body weight are contributing to many lifestyle diseases which are among the leading causes of death and poor quality of life in the Bahamas. Among children and teens, they also lead to emotional pressures such as bullying and poor self-image.
“Statistics show that a significant percentage of the next generation of Bahamians will not be able to lead normal adult lives due to the growing number of cases of hypertension, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and overweight amongst children and teens,” she said.

“This is a life-threatening health issue that desperately needs public awareness, an empathetic approach and practical solutions. We want to engage parents, schools and the community in working together to promote the importance of nutrition and active, healthy lifestyles among children in order to combat chronic health conditions later in life,” she told Tribune Health.
During the forum there will be a free Zumba Master Class by Pierce, who is also a certified Zumba Fitness instructor, brand ambassador and Zumbawear apparel model.

In addition to the free public event, Pierce will also take her message of fitness fun to 16 schools in New Providence.