Good health and nutrition should be important part of summer break
By Dana Benson
School is out, and that means that kids are heading off to summer camp. No matter what a child's interest - sports, academics, arts and crafts — parents are sure to find a camp to keep their youngsters entertained.
But at a camp offered by Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, children's health takes center stage.
Now in its fifth year, Kamp K'aana is a comprehensive weight management program for children ages 10 to 14.
Participants attend a two-week sleep-away camp at Cho Yeh Camp and Conference Center in Livingston, Texas. For one hour a day, children receive a lesson from a physician, dietitian or psychologist on how to change their habits, nutrition or activity. A healthy menu including a new fruit or vegetable is served each day.
Fun is also a big part of Kamp K'aana. Activities offered at the camp include swimming, horseback riding, pedal carts, soccer, basketball, lake fun, paint ball, ropes courses and a rock wall.
Parents are also active participants in the camp. They take part in education sessions on the first and last days of camp. Additionally, families attend three follow-up reunions 3-, 6-, and 12-months after camp to reconnect and reiterate lessons learned.
This year's two-week camp is from July 31 through Aug. 13, and the deadline for registration is July 5. For more information on the camp, call 832-822-4780 or visit www.kampkaana.org. Financial support may be available to low-income families in need of assistance.
Good summer health
While camp is not on the schedule for everyone during the summer, it's still important to make sure children remain physically active. Some research has shown that kids gain the most weight during summer vacation.
In general, children should have at least one hour of physical activity per day, the type of activities that raise their breathing and heart rate, and children ages 2 and up should have no more than two hours of quality media time per day.
Parents are role models
Whether that physical activity comes through swimming, playing, riding bikes or some other outdoor fun, children should always follow safety precautions, such as using sunscreen, drinking plenty of water and wearing proper safety gear.
Parents should set an example for their children about staying active and eating healthy. Summer is a great time to explore different activities, enjoy seasonal fruits and vegetables, and take advantage of opportunities as a family, like evening walks.
