Sequoia Hospital Partners with Redwood City Schools for 19th Annual Make Time for Fitness Event
REDWOOD CITY, CA (May 23, 2019) – Today, fourth grader Yovanni Lombera learned about the importance of avoiding sugar-filled beverages, the dangers of smoking and vaping, and that yoga is great for both fitness and relaxation.
“I’m really into being healthy,” Yovanni said. “I got a certificate for physical education at school. I liked the group exercises today.”
Yovanni, a 10-year-old student at Selby Lane Elementary School, joined the more than 800 other Redwood City School District fourth graders attending the 19th annual Make Time for Fitness field trip at Red Morton Park in Redwood City. A partnership between Dignity Health Sequoia Hospital and 13 community organizations, the event educates students about practicing a healthy lifestyle that emphasizes regular exercise and a nutritious diet.
“At this age, children begin to make their own decisions about their health—whether it’s what they eat and drink, whether to avoid tobacco products, or how to burn off energy,” said Marie Violet, director of Health & Wellness at Sequoia Hospital. “Our goal for nearly 20 years with the Make Time for Fitness events is to help our local children make the healthiest choices possible and to adopt habits now that can lead to lifelong wellness.”
The interactive program featured five activity stations, many of which were led by local high school students:
- Drink Water First, teaching students to drink water rather than sweet beverages when they are thirsty.
- Friendship Fitness, with games focused on teamwork and anti-bullying messages.
- Fit Fun Yoga, a group yoga class demonstrating that movement and breathing is good for health and well-being.
- Healthy Breakfast, with information on the foods that help to start the day right.
- Tobacco-Free Me, highlighting some of the 4,000 chemicals found in tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.
More than 200 parents and community members volunteered at the event.
Make Time for Fitness at Red Morton Park is a collaboration between Sequoia Hospital and community organizations: Redwood City School District; Sequoia Healthcare District; San Mateo County Tobacco Education Coalition; Sodexo Education; City of Redwood City Parks, Recreation, and Community Services; University of California Cooperative Extension; Sequoia Union High School District; Carlmont High School; Sequoia High School; Woodside High School; Safe Routes to School California; Redwood City 2020; Sequoia YMCA, and the Dairy Council of California.
About Sequoia Hospital
Dignity Health Sequoia Hospital is an accredited, not-for-profit community hospital providing innovative and exceptional health care for generations of Bay Area residents. Sequoia’s Heart and Vascular Institute is a nationally known pioneer in advanced cardiac care. Sequoia has received national recognition from Healthgrades for superior patient safety and was named as one of America’s top 100 hospitals for cardiac care. Our Total Joint Replacement program is a designated Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Replacement, and our Birth Center is consistently ranked as a favorite among Peninsula families. We are also known for our comprehensive emergency care and leading-edge tomosynthesis 3-D mammogram technology. Our state-of-the-art Pavilion combines the most advanced medical and surgical services with a unique healing environment, including private, spacious rooms and inviting garden areas. To learn more, please visit dignityhealth.org/sequoia. To support programs at Dignity Health Sequoia Hospital, visit the Sequoia Hospital Foundation.
Join our community:
Publish date:
Wednesday, May 22, 2019