Jan. 14, 2008
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Exercise and nutrition are important aspects in the lives of Vanderbilt cross country runners, but the chance to share their knowledge with others while also giving back to the Nashville community was an opportunity they would not pass up.
Last week, members of the Vanderbilt cross country program took time away from practice to help with Live It! Go for the Red, White & Blue at Haynes Middle School.
Spearheaded by the Monroe Carell, Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, Live It! Go for the Red, White & Blue is a project created to address the prevention of chronic disease and to help improve the health of middle school children through education and activities designed to promote healthier choices in physical activity and nutrition.
“This is not a weight loss program. Instead, we want the students at Haynes and at the five other participating schools to be knowledgeable about health and nutrition,” said Anna Au, project manager for the program. “We’re doing an eight week program for the children. We encourage them every day to eat five fruits and vegetables and to walk 10,000 steps.”
“The program contacted us last year, and the team helped out right before classes started last year in addition to this year,” commented head coach Steve Keith. “Involvement in the community is what this is all about. We got a couple of high fives in the hallway, so I think the kids at Haynes are excited to see college athletes. I know the cross country runners are excited to be here helping out.”
The Vanderbilt men’s and women’s cross country teams helped fill out paperwork, calculate weight, height and waist circumference for approximately 200 fifth and sixth grade students at the school.
“It’s always good to give back to the community,” said junior Matt Long. “It’s cool to know we could help make a difference in children’s lives.”
“I got to help many groups of girls and guys fill out their forms,” responded freshman Rita Jorgensen. “They asked lots of fun questions. I hope that all children learn the importance of nutrition and exercise and how it can help them in the long run.”
At the end of the eight week program, the students again will be weighed and measured. Prizes will be awarded to the student that walked the most steps and had the best participation.
