“We are very excited to be part of this broad-based coalition of partners to support our students in creating a culture of wellness.”
- Kathy Pon,
PUSD assistant superintendent of educational services
Patterson High School freshmen will get a good dose of healthy lifestyle motivation, exercise and support as they begin Project FIITNESS this month.
Project FIITNESS (Fostering Individual Improvement Through Nutrition, Exercise and Student Specialists), is a new program created by the West Valley Health Coalition to increase healthy behaviors among high school students.
The coalition, formed in May, consists of Patterson Unified School District, Del Puerto Health Center, Westside Community Alliance, Patterson Parks and Recreation Department and insurance company Health Net. The group, which aims to bring better health to the people of Patterson, is offering the 20-week program to 40 PHS students who will work toward a lifestyle change.
“We are very excited to be part of this broad-based coalition of partners to support our students in creating a culture of wellness,” said Kathy Pon, PUSD assistant superintendent of educational services.
Pon said a recent survey conducted by the California Center for Public Health Advocacy indicated Stanislaus County children and teens were found to have higher rates of obesity than other youths in the state.
Overweight children are at risk of having high cholesterol levels, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, sleep apnea and other health problems. Most obese children — 80 percent — become obese teens and adults with ailments such as diabetes, osteoarthritis and congestive heart failure.
Toward the aim of better health, West Valley Health Coalition volunteers will closely monitor the students chosen for Project FIITNESS.
Pledge to change lifestyle
On Tuesday, all Patterson High School freshmen had their height, weight and body mass index measured.
Cardte Hicks, a former basketball player for the Sacramento Monarchs, will announce the 40 students at a special Nov. 16 school assembly. Students will be picked for the program based on factors such as an elevated Body Mass Index and being at risk for obesity and health diseases.
Over the program’s five months, students will commit to a healthy lifestyle, exercise, use exercise equipment and learn how to read food labels and cook more nutritious meals.
Students will be monitored and receive a free physical and blood analysis. They will attend motivational meetings and programs offered by West Valley Health Coalition partners. Each month, the coalition will provide students with exercises and equipment they can keep. They will also share ideas for personal recreation and give participants support to keep their commitments.
Students will complete a health unit in class that includes activities to improve nutrition and physical activity choices.
The 40 student participants will get help with setting personal goals, deal wellness of our youth,” said Adrienne Chaney, director of the Patterson Parks and Recreation Department. “It’s a very important first step — the collaboration with the school district and the health care community is critical. I think we’re really headed in the right direction, and I think in the next 10 years, we’re going to see a lot of progress with the school facilities and recreation department programs.”
Margo Arnold, CEO of Del Puerto Health District, which runs Del Puerto Health Center, said the program is going to be high-energy.
“The focus is on being the best you can be as an individual,” she said.
To reach Maddy Houk at the Irrigator, call 892-6187 or e-mail her at
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