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August 17, 2009 - Atlanta, GA - The Center
Helping Obesity In Children End Successfully (C.H.O.I.C.E.S.)
announces their 2009 Sisters in the L.I.T.E. program for teen girls
and young adult women in the Atlanta area.
Sisters in the L.I.T.E. (Lifestyle
Intervention Teaching Exercises), a twelve-week program, was created
to address the self-esteem, weight management and health needs that
are unique to girls and young women. Participants have a body mass
index (BMI) of at least 26 and are between the ages of 10 to 24. This
program is designed to assess the health impact of intentional weight
loss utilizing educational sessions and fitness training.
Using "Bodyworks - A Toolkit for
Healthy Girls & Strong Women," created by the Office on
Women's Health, as the curriculum, sisters will be taught by trained
professionals representing fitness, nutrition, medical and behavioral
specialties.
"Since I participated in Sisters in the L.I.T.E, I have gained a
greater understanding of the importance of nutrition education and
physical fitness for young people," said Myia K. Clay, the parent
of a former participant in the program. "My life has truly
changed for the better in terms of my self-esteem and weight issues. I
am now assisting in the fight as a Site Coordinator for the
program."
This year's program goals are to mentor 50 disproportionately
overweight women and young girls who are predominately members of the
African-American population. These goals will be accomplished by the
implementation of the following activities:
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Nutrition and cooking classes
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Fitness training and workouts
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Social behavior modification
strategies
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Educational field trips during the
twelve-week program
"Our program is not designed to
bring girls in, help them and send them away," said Executive
Director and founder Vanetta Keyes. "Our goal is to build
long-standing relationships with these young ladies, impacting their
self-outlook, appearance and health."
The program kicks off Saturday,
September 12th, at the Atlanta Medical Center volunteers and mentors
are needed. To learn more about the program visit www.choicesforkids.org/LITE.
To register contact MClay@choicesforkids.org.
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choicesforkids.org
