Elgin community wants to help you get active
Shortly after the Pledge of Allegiance each day at Highland Elementary School in Elgin, legs are moving, arms are pumping and heartbeats rising.
The five-minute burst, featuring about 10 different exercises, isn't part of physical education class.
Rather, it's one small part of "Activate Elgin" a communitywide program that encourages more exercise and healthier lifestyles.
"The children take those exercises home and try to come together as a family," said Rick Reigner, CEO of the Greater Elgin Area YMCA. "The biggest challenge is folks know obesity is a problem, but they never knew it was happening here."
The program does not stress weight loss. Rather, it encourages a positive change in habits: more family meal times together, where people usually eat healthier; eating a sensible breakfast; and cooking healthier.
The program debuted last month at Highland.
The Greater Elgin Area YMCA is leading the effort, and has partnered with: the city of Elgin, Elgin Community Network, Gail Borden Public Library, Illinois Academy of Pediatrics, Judson University, Kane County Health Department, Northern Illinois University, Pediatric Associates of Barrington, Provena-St. Joseph Hospital, Elgin Area School District U-46 and Sherman Hospital.
The Elgin program also is one of six finalists for three $300,000 grants, said Elizabeth Nahar, program director of children and balance at the Massachusetts-based Tufts University.
Reigner credited the YMCA's coalition for several grants from corporations and noted without these partnerships, they wouldn't even be in the running for the Tufts award.
"No one organization can combat (obesity) alone. We need to put our resources, knowledge and expertise together," added Elizabeth Davin, Taylor YMCA operations executive.
If "Activate Elgin" nets the top prize, it will allow the YMCA to expand the program to all of U-46, where an estimated 46 percent of students are obese.
Wednesday morning, YMCA leaders and school officials kicked off a logo contest, which will feature a Nintendo Wii as the top prize.
By year's end, organizers hope to partner with local restaurants to have "Activate Elgin" meals on their menus, highlighted by the new logo, in a similar way that some restaurants highlight meals consistent with diet plans.
Steve Johnson, Highland principal, said the program so far has been well-received by students and the school plans to reach out to parents for their input as well as offer them seminars for healthier meals.
"We've been privileged to connect with the Y(MCA)," Johnson said. "The more we can connect to the community, the better it is for students and their families."
Help Activate Elgin
What: The Greater Elgin Area YMCA is sponsoring a contest to design a logo for "Activate Elgin," a communitywide program to encourage exercise, better eating habits and healthy living.
When: The deadline for submissions is March 3 at the Taylor YMCA, 50 N. McLean Blvd., Elgin
How: Winners will be chosen via an online vote at www.elginymca.com
Prizes: The first-place winner will receive a Nintendo Wii; second place takes home a two-night stay and four water park passes to the CoCo Key Water Resort in Rockford; and third garners a Taylor YMCA membership. Winners will be recognized by Elgin Mayor Ed Schock on April 12, which is "Health Kids Day."
Info: Call (847) 888-7410.