September 13, 2006 Source: :
http://www.unb.ca/news/view.cgi?id=1094 Successful LEAP! Programs Opens Third Year at UNBF September 13, 2006
UNB Fredericton News Release: D707
Brad Janes, Public Relations Officer (506) 458-7969 The Learning, Eating, Activity Programme (LEAP!) at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton has become a hit. Now entering its third year, LEAP! is an initiative to help overweight children and their families become healthier. The third year of operation will begin with a fall orientation on Tuesday, Sept. 19 in Room C 123 of Head Hall on UNBF’s campus. "This year, the program will focus on family management challenges," said LEAP! director Gabriela Tymowski, a professor in UNBF’s faculty of kinesiology. "We have seen many of the biggest obstacles parents experience in trying to change their family’s lifestyle habits involve relationships with their children." The goal of LEAP! is children living as healthy a childhood as possible so they are set for a lifetime of health, and can reach their potentials in all spheres of life. It may seem simple to help children improve their eating habits and increase physical activity, but it’s not that easy or every child in New Brunswick would be at a healthy weight. "Being healthy means more than simply being at the ideal weight," said Dr. Tymowski. "Healthy children spend a considerable amount of their time being physically active outside, they sleep well, and they eat healthfully the majority of their lives. Healthy children do better at school, because they are able to concentrate when they need to, and stay alert all day. Children who eat poor diets struggle to pay attention, and if they aren’t getting sufficient physical activity, they aren’t able to learn and achieve to their potential." LEAP! helps parents to help their children get the best possible start in life by developing healthy behaviour at a young age. Parents will develop family management skills, such as learning how to better parent their children. Many parents struggle with getting the children to bed on time, and with convincing the children to eat enough vegetables and fruit. "Sending the children outside to play can also be a challenge," said Dr. Tymowski. "To be successful with the program, parents have to commit to making changes. We will help set them up for success, but the onus remains on the parents to work with their children, to hang in there during the tough times, and to be consistent. Children need boundaries and they need their parents to help them make the right choices and develop those healthy habits." LEAP’s team of professionals includes a dietitian, a leisure educator, a nurse and a kinesiologist. There is also a consulting psychologist and physician. After the focused parental education, there are private consultations with the team for a six week period. In total, the commitment for the families in the program is just over three months. For further information, contact Dr. Tymowski at gabi@unb.ca or contact LEAP! at 506-452-6172. - 30 -
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