Youngsters Graduate from Life-changing Nutrition Program

A knowledge of the 3 Rs was not the prerequisite for this graduation. Rather, knowledge about nutrition, fitness and good lifestyle choices earned these students passing grades.

Youngsters completing the seventh session of the ProActive Kids Foundation (PAK) graduated June 3 in ceremonies at the Wheaton Park District’s Rice Lake Community Center. The session included families from Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Naperville and Warrenville.

The 10 yongsters saw decreases in their body mass index and a positive increase in their social indicators. Parents said they have seen many changes in their children regarding self-esteem and better nutritional decision making as a result of the program. They indicated that as a family they have made great strides in food and meal selection as well as family communication.

“ProActive Kids has been a wonderful experience for our daughter and for our entire family. Not a day goes by that we don’t use something that we were taught at PAK,” said Becky Humbert, a recent participant’s mother from Naperville. “She has learned, not only about nutrition and exercise, but about herself. She is much more confident and is really engaged in her overall health.”

The children and their families committed to a three-day a week, eight-week session where they focused on nutrition education, fitness and activities and lifestyle coaching, which focuses on self-esteem, body image and other social pressures children face each day.

More than 90 youngsters and their families (reaching more than 300 people total) have gone through the program. The PAK Plan is designed to treat the whole child physically, nutritionally and emotionally, built around the stability and commitment of family. The free program educates children and their families on sustainable ways to improve their health through fun physical exercises and games, engaging lessons and interactive discussions.

PAK is planning to offer the program at more sites in the coming months in order to reach more children and their families in DuPage County who struggle with unhealthy weight. PAK is primarily run and managed by volunteers along with the support of Central DuPage Hospital, Meier Clinics and Wheaton Park District. 

To learn more about the ProActive Kids Foundation or to register for the fall session beginning Sept. 19, call 630-681-1558 or visit  proactivekids.org.