Students jump at opportunity to raise diabetes awareness - Whitby this Week
April, 22 2009
Students at Royal Canadian Montessori School have reached a high point in their efforts to raise public awareness about diabetes.Over a period of several weeks, seven children from grades 2-5 in the Whitby school's upper elementary classes took part in a program called Everyone Jump, which was launched by the Ontario Physical and Health Education Association. Its purpose is to build awareness of the importance of regular physical activity and healthy eating as a way to prevent type 2 diabetes.
"We participated in the program to explain to the children what diabetes is, the difference between type 1 and type 2 and basically get them into the mindset of having healthy habits," principal Dawn Deane said.
The school is now one of only 35 across Canada being rewarded for outstanding achievement in highlighting the importance of regular physical activity and proper nutrition in preventing type 2 diabetes.
Over a period of several weeks, students worked hard to design a poster, write song lyrics and engage others in the school in regular exercises.
"We're very involved in programs like this and the children absolutely love the interactive, hands-on approach to learning," Ms. Deane said. "A program like this where it literally is about everyone getting up and jumping gives the students the chance to express themselves while gaining new knowledge."
OPHEA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting schools and communities through quality program supports, partnerships and advocacy.
Thousands of students from nearly 750 classrooms from Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland registered to participate in this year's Everyone Jump challenge.
To view the school's winning poster or for more information about Everyone Jump and other programs offered through OPHEA, visit www.ophea.net.