Live Well Kids credited by LA County study for reducing obesity in Redondo schools
Redondo Lincoln Elementary students learn about healthy food during a class at the school’s garden. Photo In 2005, a California Physical Fitness report showed one in five Redondo elementary school students were overweight. The figure was higher than that of neighboring school districts and higher than the national average. The following year, at a cost of $25,000, the Beach Cities Health District launched what would become known as the Live Well Kids program. Twice a week, all 500 students at Lincoln Elementary School in Redondo Beach participated in a 40 minutes exercise program at lunchtime. After five months, the students Average Body mass index showed a .26 percent improvement. Though a small number, it went against the nationwide trend. At the time, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood obesity has quadrupled over the previous 25 years. The BCHD Live Well Kids program has since expanded to all eight Redondo Beach Unified elementary schools. At a Beach Cities Health District Board meeting scheduled for last night (after press time), Dr. Paul Simon, Chief Science officer of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, was to recognize the…
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