Health Jam event promotes healthy choices for Elgin youth
Not every student can afford dance or fitness classes. Some cannot make it to practices for a sports league. Others do not have access to health curriculum. However, the exposure to wellness information is important at every age.
That's where "Health Jam" comes in. Organized by University of Illinois Extension, the interactive learning program brings together Sherman Hospital, Prairie Valley YMCA, The Centre of Elgin and various health care professionals for Elgin students.
"Our goal is to provide youth with critical information on personal wellness and the growing health care field by partnering with area organizations and professionals," said Donna Nuger, University of Illinois Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development. "Middle school-age students are more independent than their younger peers, and need to know the impact of their nutrition and physical activity choices. They also are just a few years away from major life events, like driving and college, and the decisions that go with those rights of passage."
The 2016 Health Jam provided 80 students from Elgin with education throughout the semester, and hands-on experiences with health care professionals during a two-day field trip focused on careers in medicine and personal wellness.
Participating youth spent the first day learning from health and wellness professionals, including Sherman Hospital's Jen O'Connell, a physical therapist, and Jennifer Vaughn with the animal assisted therapy program. Nuger, who also is a certified CPR instructor, led a session on first aid, disease spread and food-borne illness, while colleague Laura Barr, a nutrition and wellness educator with University of Illinois Extension, provided nutrition education.
On the second day of Health Jam, students spent the day trying a wide array of fitness classes and learning from different staff members at the Prairie Valley YMCA.
Teacher Mary Kay Hoch said Health Jam exposes her students to nutrition, exercise and career knowledge they may not otherwise receive.
"This is an incredible hands-on learning experience," Hoch said. "Many of our students cannot afford additional health or fitness classes, and many will be first-generation college graduates so guidance on career opportunities is important to their future success."
Hoch also said the May 4-H-sponsored program comes at a time of year when students are wrapping up a hectic round of exams and projects.
"There is a lot of testing at the end of the year," she said. "It is nice for them to get out of the classroom and learn in an active way."
From meeting therapy dogs to sweating through boot camp and hip-hop classes, the youth showed great enthusiasm and new awareness of health careers and personal wellness, Nuger said.
"It is special to see their faces light up when they are drawn to a career, learn something new or when they truly enjoy an activity," Nuger said. "4-H youth development programs, including this one, provide opportunities for youth to feel a sense of belonging, develop independence, practice generosity, or experience mastery."
A 2015 4-H Impact survey in DuPage, Kane and Kendall counties found that 4-H helps to build confidence, critical thinking skills and encouragement for future endeavors.
• 95 percent of local 4-H members feel they have talents to share with others.
• 88 percent of local 4-H members feel connected to a caring adult who is not their parent.
• 95 percent of local 4-H members feel comfortable making their own decisions.
• 89 percent of local 4-H members report having a plan for reaching their goals.
"We want all youth to move forward in life with clear heads and healthy lives, and Health Jam is one way to help guide them toward brighter futures."
For more information on the 4-H Youth Development program in your county, visit web.extension.illinois.edu/dkk/. 4-H Youth Development programs include 4-H Clubs, Learning Enrichment, and other Youth Outreach activities. These positive youth development programs provide opportunities for youth to feel a sense of belonging, develop independence, practice generosity, and experience mastery.