Carroll Elementary second and fourth graders took part in a "Fit For Life" program last Thursday.

They visited three stations to lean about nutrition and fitness.

At station 1, they learned about the new food pyramid, portion size, and the importance of eating a balanced diet.

At station 2, they were offered a taste test of healthy snacks.

At station 3, they took part in a fitness class and learned about the importance of getting 20-30 minutes of physical activity daily and the importance of drinking water.

Brandie Oliver, coordinator of the program, was the leader at station 2. Other station leaders were Janelle Kennedy, registered dietitian, and Amanda Harness, personal trainer.

Oliver is the regional team leader for the statewide Action for Healthy Kids. She said Fit For Life was conducted as a pilot program at Carroll Elementary and two elementary schools in Clinton County. The students received pre-tests and posttests to see if they learned from the program. Oliver said there will be a follow-up program in the fall.

For participating, students got to take home a packet of nutrition-related items, including a water bottle, ball, small bag of pretzels, healthy snack ideas, information from the new food pyramid, and suggested web sites. Two of those web sites are: www.actionforhealthykids.org and www.mypyramid.gov.

Healthy snacks Brandie Oliver offers students pears packed in 100% juice for a healthy taste test. She also served kebabs, made with pieces of green pepper, ham, strawberry, and colby cheese. Served with a honey-wheat braided pretzel, the snacks represented a taste from each of the food groups. Comet photo by Jennifer Archibald Fit For Life was made possible by a grant written by Oliver and funded by the Indiana State Department of Health.

Carroll school nurse Kathy Sanders brought the program to Carroll as part of the corporation's increased emphasis on nutrition and physical activity.

Sanders chaired a Wellness Committee that recently developed a Wellness Policy for the school corporation. It will be considered for approval by the school board in June. As of July 1, all school corporations are to have a Wellness Policy in place.

'Fitness For Life' Carroll Elementary second graders are pictured in a fitness class led by a personal trainer. The stretches and exercises were part of a "Fit For Life" program offered at the school last week. Comet photo by Jennifer Archibald