Greenwood Forest Grizzlies get fit

After Greenwood Forest Elementary School nurse Linda Rosemeyer found that data from yearly heath screenings showed that 21 percent of students are obese, she applied for and won a $2,500 grant to begin an obesity prevention initiative.

The program, called GWF Grizzlies Get Fit, takes place in four parts in a combined school effort to address how to overcome childhood obesity.

The first event was held Jan. 19 and featured a doctor from United Healthcare speaking to parents and students about childhood obesity. Hands-on activities included guessing sugar content of foods, learning yoga and evaluating portion sizes.

The next event takes place on Thursday, Feb. 23 and will cover smart shopping and lessons on reading food labels for parents.

According to the press release, Rosemeyer stated, "Through Grizzlies Get Fit, our overall goal is to provide resources for our parents and community so they can begin making positive changes and hopefully change some lives."