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Independence, MO —
The Independence School District is leading the battle against weight issues by becoming the first district in the nation to implement the healthy lifestyle program, MEND.
Mind, Energy, Nutrition … Do it – or MEND – is a family-oriented healthy weight program developed in the United Kingdom. It was duplicated in Australia before coming to the United States. The idea is to help children who are above their ideal weight lead a healthier lifestyle.
The Independence district is partnering with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, the YMCA of Greater Kansas City and the MEND Foundation to offer the program at five elementary schools: Glendale, Mill Creek, Blackburn, Luff and Three Trails. Plans are to expand the program to other elementaries later.
“While our district has had a preventative focus on health and wellness for years, we know that getting families actively involved is key to creating positive and long-lasting change in the health of students,” Independence Superintendent Jim Hinson said. “We believe that with family support, MEND can help children create a healthy lifestyle that will last the rest of their lives.”
MEND is divided into four sections by age – three children’s sections and adults. The 10-week program is geared toward overweight children and their parents who are at greater risk of developing serious, chronic diseases, such as Type 2 diabetes. During a pair of two-hour sessions each week, they will learn healthy eating behaviors, exercise techniques and nutrition, as well as healthy lifestyle changes for the entire family.
“Combating and preventing childhood obesity is our key focus area as part of our Health Promotions strategy at Blue KC,” said Dr. Dawnavan Davis, director of health promotions at Blue KC. “Our partnership with MEND will help young children and their families develop healthy behaviors and habits to overcome weight issues and live healthier lifestyles.”
Activities could include families touring a grocery store, taking water aerobics classes, playing games or learning to prepare healthy recipes. Through MEND, children and parents learn to view healthy living in a positive way. All of these services will be provided for free through the partnership with Blue KC.
Following the 10-week program, participants will be introduced to MEND World, in which families will learn how to continue building on their healthy lifestyle through eating and physical activity. The YMCA will lead this portion of the program.
While Independence is the first school district in the country to adopt the program, the goal is to have other districts in the Blue KC system adopt the program later.
The Independence School District is leading the battle against weight issues by becoming the first district in the nation to implement the healthy lifestyle program, MEND.
Mind, Energy, Nutrition … Do it – or MEND – is a family-oriented healthy weight program developed in the United Kingdom. It was duplicated in Australia before coming to the United States. The idea is to help children who are above their ideal weight lead a healthier lifestyle.
The Independence district is partnering with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, the YMCA of Greater Kansas City and the MEND Foundation to offer the program at five elementary schools: Glendale, Mill Creek, Blackburn, Luff and Three Trails. Plans are to expand the program to other elementaries later.
“While our district has had a preventative focus on health and wellness for years, we know that getting families actively involved is key to creating positive and long-lasting change in the health of students,” Independence Superintendent Jim Hinson said. “We believe that with family support, MEND can help children create a healthy lifestyle that will last the rest of their lives.”
MEND is divided into four sections by age – three children’s sections and adults. The 10-week program is geared toward overweight children and their parents who are at greater risk of developing serious, chronic diseases, such as Type 2 diabetes. During a pair of two-hour sessions each week, they will learn healthy eating behaviors, exercise techniques and nutrition, as well as healthy lifestyle changes for the entire family.
“Combating and preventing childhood obesity is our key focus area as part of our Health Promotions strategy at Blue KC,” said Dr. Dawnavan Davis, director of health promotions at Blue KC. “Our partnership with MEND will help young children and their families develop healthy behaviors and habits to overcome weight issues and live healthier lifestyles.”
Activities could include families touring a grocery store, taking water aerobics classes, playing games or learning to prepare healthy recipes. Through MEND, children and parents learn to view healthy living in a positive way. All of these services will be provided for free through the partnership with Blue KC.
Following the 10-week program, participants will be introduced to MEND World, in which families will learn how to continue building on their healthy lifestyle through eating and physical activity. The YMCA will lead this portion of the program.
While Independence is the first school district in the country to adopt the program, the goal is to have other districts in the Blue KC system adopt the program later.
