Diabetes Experts Concentrate On Healthy Lifestyles, Eating
DENVER (CBS4)- There is good news in Colorado when it comes to childhood obesity rates-- those rates are beginning to drop across the state. But it's still at more than 14 percent for this year.
The American Diabetes Association is concentrating on healthy lifestyles and teaching healthy eating habits.
A healthy snack starts every class. At a recent class rice cakes with peanut butter and banana kicked off the session.
"Kids get to come in and they get to try something new," said Monica Chavez-Singleton with Ada's Latino Initiative.
The students, children and parents, get to learn something new about portion sizes and choosing foods from every food group.
"I've seen a lot of changes in what I do with my son," said mother Juliana Ramirez.
Ramirez has a 3-year-old son. She started taking the class and now she is teaching the class.
"Instead of running to grab him something fast and unhealthy, it's easier now than it was before to make him a healthy snack," said Ramirez.
The Salsa, Health & Flavor classes are taught in Spanish and English and target children ages 3 to 14.
"That's really when kids are learning to either correct behaviors they want to change or they're really starting to learn the behaviors," said Chavez-Singleton.
The program teaches about 200 children every year but the need is so great there is a waiting list.
"So it's good to get them at this age so you're setting his path to a healthier lifestyle," said Ramirez.
Healthy living experts say instilling healthy habits in children at an early age can make a huge difference for the rest of their lives.
The class ends with the Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes where the students will join hundreds of others to support those living with the disease.
The Step Out: Walk To Stop Diabetes is Saturday, Nov. 7, beginning at the Downtown Denver Aquarium at 8:15 a.m.
