Annual Report 2002-2003
Health Care
Improving nutrition for a healthier future
Esveidy Esquivel is one of more than 300 sixth graders at Columbia Middle School in Sunnyvale who took part in a new school-based, nutrition-education program created by Camino Medical Group (CMG).
"One of the greatest challenges is that kids aren't always given healthy food choices at school," explained Amelia Kauweloa, CMG health promotion specialist. "We're seeing an increase in obesity in young people and, with that, a higher incidence of diabetes and other chronic diseases that were previously rare in this age group. Many of these kids are at risk for developing more serious diseases as adults."
Esveidy appreciates all she learned in the class. "We played food bingo with cards that had pictures of different foods on the front, and nutritional information on the back," she said. "Then we got into groups and put our cards together to make 'meals.' It helped me to understand how to combine foods that are colorful and also good for me."
In addition to school-based nutrition education, CMG's Health Education Department offers support groups, health screenings and classes – all open to the community. One class recently added is Shapedown, a family-based, weight-management program for children ages 8 to 15.
"Our school-based, nutrition-education program is an investment in our community that benefits everyone, not just CMG patients," said Amelia. "When young people learn to make better food choices, chances are they will live healthier lives." Amelia hopes that nutrition education will eventually become part of the regular school curriculum. "We are already exploring the potential for partnerships with other community organizations," she said. "This is our neighborhood, and we need to take care of the people who live here."
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"Most of the kids at my school have pizza and soda for lunch. And everyone buys chips and candy at the student store. In the nutrition class, I learned what I need to eat more of, and what I should eat less of. Now I know I should have more fruits, vegetables, protein and fiber in my diet, and not eat as many sweets. If I eat well now, I’ll probably live longer and have more time to do the things I want to do."