Chanel Callin Fights Childhood Obesity with Candy Canes

Akeelah Ammons, registered dietician, displaying the healthy pumpkin muffins and Gazpacho soup

On December 5th, 2013, the YMCA’s Tiger Academy Charter School hosted a Pre-K Parent Night to engage students and their parents on making healthy lifestyle choices over the holidays. The event was coordinated by registered dietician, Akeelah Ammons, and North Florida Health Corps AmeriCorps member, Chanel Callin.  During the event, Ammons and Callin provided guests with the “Top 10 Healthy Holiday Tips,” which included aspects such as drinking lots of water rather than liquid calories (i.e. eggnog, alcoholic beverages, etc.) and taking a walk with your family after dinner.  Healthy snacks were provided, including recipes and a take-home cheat sheet on how to cook various veggies and how long each cooking style (sauté, boil, steam, etc.) takes.

NFHC AmeriCorps member and YMCA Physical Activity Educator, Chanel Callin, demonstrates candy cane stretch with parents and students during Holiday Yoga

Students and parents also participated in exercises demonstrated by Chanel Callin. First they participated in Holiday Yoga, which included various poses shaped from holiday themes like candy canes. Lastly, they played “Human Bop It.” This activity had everyone in the room out of their seats jumping, kicking, and twisting.