HispanicBusiness

Translated resource made available to reach even more families


ATLANTA, Oct. 14 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- Responding to the alarming number of Hispanic youth who are dangerously more obese than their peers, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) has translated the Triple Play Parents Game Plan into Spanish. This resource -- a parents' guide to encouraging young people to better understand nutrition, get them active and teach them to get along better in social and recreational situations -- is available at http://www.bgca.org/en_espanol . The original Game Plan was introduced last year and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
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Consider that, in the last two months, there were more than 2,000 downloads of the Triple Play Game Plan from BGCA's Web site ( http://www.bgca.org ). "We think this response reflects the growing concern of parents who are facing myriad health issues with their children that many pediatricians associate with increasing levels of childhood obesity," said BGCA President and CEO Roxanne Spillett.

The importance of the family in shaping healthy eating habits is born out of studies from Arizona State University(1) that shows healthy habits are modeled and reinforced at home. Given the overall importance of the family in Hispanic society, it is even more critical for parents to be knowledgeable about the importance of good nutrition and an active lifestyle.

The Triple Play Parents Game Plan is part of BGCA's comprehensive sports and fitness program called Triple Play -- sponsored by The Coca-Cola Company and Kraft Foods. Triple Play: A Game Plan for the Mind, Body and Soul takes a holistic approach to positively influence a child's well being.

The Game Plan features elements from the program's three areas of focus:

-- Mind - Develops a knowledge base for young people to acquire healthy habits, such as making smart food choices, understanding appropriate portion sizes and creating fun and balanced meals.

-- Body - Promotes young people becoming more physically active through fun daily fitness, including activities to get kids active and moving.

-- Soul - Strengthens interpersonal skills, positive behavior and good character through social recreation programs and activities.

"The information in this guide can be a valuable tool for parents seeking creative ways to discuss wellness topics with their children at home," said Spillett. "We also hope the Triple Play Parents Game Plan in Spanish prompts even more families to visit a nearby Club to take advantage of the full range of resources this program offers."

About Triple Play: A Game Plan for the Mind, Body and SoulSupported by The Coca-Cola Company and Kraft Foods, Triple Play is the largest wellness endeavor ever undertaken by BGCA and the first youth-focused program of its kind developed in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The program's curriculum was developed by an advisory council formed by BGCA and included experts from diverse fields such as nutrition, physical fitness and medicine.

Triple Play is currently available to some 4,300 Boys & Girls Clubs serving some 4.8 million youth in the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, plus domestic and international U.S. military installations. Since the program's launch in 2005, Clubs across the country have seen encouraging lifestyle changes in their members.

The Coca-Cola Company and Kraft Foods both have a long tradition of supporting many wellness programs and independent partnerships. Triple Play joins their respective wellness portfolios, which include programs such as The Coca-Cola Company's "Live It(TM)!" program and the Kraft Community Nutrition Program.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America ( http://www.bgca.org ) has been changing and saving young lives, providing hope and opportunity for kids who need them most. Today, some 4,300 Clubs serve some 4.8 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Known as The Positive Place for Kids, Boys & Girls Clubs can be found all across the country and on U.S. military bases throughout the world. Clubs provide young people 6-18 years old with guidance-oriented character development programs conducted by trained, professional staff. In communities large and small, Clubs positively impact lives and help young people reach their full potential as productive, caring citizens. Key Boys & Girls Club programs emphasize leadership development; education and career exploration; community service; financial literacy; health and life skills; the arts; sports, fitness and recreation; and family outreach. In a recent Harris Survey of Club alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their life. National headquarters are located in Atlanta.

(1) The Arizona State University study was presented at the American Sociological Association's annual meeting in 2005.

SOURCE Boys & Girls Clubs of America