Military Children Take Health and Wellness Tour

From Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Amanda Cabasos, Naval Base Coronado Public Affairs

IMPERIAL BEACH, Calif. (NNS) -- More than 25 kindergarten students and parents participated in an educational program and tour at the Naval Outlying Landing Field (NOLF) Imperial Beach commissary, April 12, as part of Month of the Military Child.

This educational program was designed to help children and their parents focus on health and wellness, and enhance their knowledge on the importance and benefits of consuming fresh fruits and vegetables; enabling them to develop life-long healthy habits.

The event included games, a tour of the store's produce section, a dietician presentation and various competitions, such as hula hoop, jump roping and coloring contests.

According to Commissary Produce Manager, Jay Aguilera, in addition to the educational piece of the tour, the objective was to recognize military children for their strength of character in an enjoyable environment.

"This event was very important because we gave the children information to help them develop life-long, healthy eating habits," said Aguilera. "We also gave each child a fun, interactive tool they can use at home to track their consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables."

"We see the rates of obesity increasing in the country and we know that lack of exercise and poor diet are the two major contributing factors," said the program's guest speaker Kathleen Heilpern, a Naval Medical Center San Diego health education program coordinator.

"We hope to have an impact on the children and their parents by helping them choose healthy foods and consume less sugar in the form of soda and concentrated fruit drinks; emphasizing an increase intake of dairy products and water for young developing bodies," added.

In 1986, Defense Secretary Caspar Weingberger designated April as Month of the Military Child. Each year the sacrifices made by children of parents who are serving our country are recognized and honored by every branch of service, around the world.

For more information about Month of the Military Child events in San Diego, contact Fleet and Family Readiness.