KCKCC Campus Childcare Center encourages healthy choices

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- Only months after establishing a new Wellness Policy, the Kansas City Kansas Community College Campus Childcare Center is reaping the benefits.

The new Wellness Policy was adopted in March 2014 and focuses on teaching children how to make healthy choices about food and physical activity as part of their daily lives.

In addition, staff models the same healthy eating and physical activity.

“The change was made after an examination of our former menu when we discovered that we were not serving our children the healthiest foods,” said Doris Holleman, director of the KCKCC Campus Childcare Center. “For example, we served chicken nuggets, chicken strips and French fries quite often. Although we did not have a whole lot of foods that were not healthy, we did feel that it is important to serve our children a wider variety of healthy options for breakfast, lunch and snack. Our previous menu had been approved through the Child and Adult Care Food Program, but we felt it important to adhere to the standards set forth by the American Heart Association, which were much higher.”

Take steps to better health: Walk Kansas starts March 15

KANSAS CITY, KAN.  –  It’s as simple as putting one step in front of another. That’s the idea behind Walk Kansas, an eight-week K-State Research and Extension program that starts March 15, designed to promote activity and better health.

“The days are getting longer, and many of us are eager to get outside and be more physically active,” said Sharolyn Jackson, Walk Kansas coordinator with K-State Research and Extension. “Even Kansans who do not routinely walk or have other fitness routines find Walk Kansas to be an easy way to get moving.”

Campaign announced to exempt food from Kansas sales tax

By Jim McLean
KHI News Service

TOPEKA, KAN. — A coalition is forming to make healthy food less expensive in Kansas.

Led by KC Healthy Kids, a nonprofit organization supported in part by the Kansas Health Foundation, a coalition is being formed to guide a legislative effort to exempt food from the state sales tax.

GUEST COMMENTARY: 10 tips to staying fit through holiday season

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – The holidays are often associated with two things: gifts and food.

While running around the mall grabbing last-minute presents might help to burn some calories, studies show that Americans gain at least one pound over the holidays (usually more) and over the years these pounds can really add up.

Parties, get-togethers, sit-down dinners and stress-eating make keeping weight in check extremely difficult around the holidays.

Here are ten tips from Vatterott-Kansas City Personal Fitness Trainer Instructor Cherrie Castro for staying fit through the holiday season.

Registrations still being accepted for the Blue Devil 5K Run/Walk and Kids Trot

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- Kansas City Kansas Community College is getting ready to become more active and is inviting the community to do the same. The Blue Devil 5K and Kids Trot is this weekend.

The Blue Devil 5K, which is in its 10th year, is at 8 a.m. May 3. The course winds through the KCKCC campus on the roads, walking paths and sidewalks.

The 4th annual Kids Trot follows at 9 a.m. and is geared toward children 11-years and younger. Registration for the 5K is $30 per person and $10 for the Kids Trot. Registration includes a T-shirt, Goodie Bag and pancake breakfast following the event. About 200 people participated in the 5K and Kids Trot in 2013.

“The goal of the Blue Devil 5k & Kids Trot is to get the Kansas City Kansas community more active,” said Joe Mundt, trainer at the KCKCC Wellness & Fitness Center. “Having the event each year helps students and staff at KCKCC as well as the community to stay more active and see the benefits of a regular exercise program.”

Awards will be given to the top overall male and female finishers. In addition, the winner of each age group will receive an award and a prize. Activities will be provide for the children between 7:30 and 9 a.m. by childcare volunteers, so parent can participate in the 5K run/walk. Starting at 9 a.m., children in the Kids Trot run in heats based on age groups. Distances will range from 25 meters to one-quarter of a mile.

“People should sign up for the 5k & Kids Trot to help motivate them to take their exercise plan to the next level,” Mundt said. “If you want to start a walking/running program, a 5k makes it easier because you have something to train for. There is a reason behind all of exercising.” Mundt said.

For more information about the Blue Devil 5K Run/Walk and Kids Trot, visit www.kckcc.edu/studentLife/wfc/5kfunrunwalk.aspx. Information is also available by calling the KCKCC Wellness & Fitness Center at 913-288-7610. An entry form must be filled out for each registrant. Registration is accepted through online registration, in person at the KCKCC Wellness Center or by fax to 913-288-7527.

Certification opens new doors for KCKCC fitness students

By ALAN HOSKINS

Certification of Kansas City Kansas Community College’s Health and Fitness degree program by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) will open new doors for students in the College’s Exercise Science program.

“Upon completion of our Associate of General Studies degree curriculum, students will be eligible to sit for the NSCA Certified Personal Trainer program,” says Susie Myers, Coordinator and Professor of the Exercise Science Program. “In addition, NSCA will list Kansas City Kansas Community College on its website as meeting its educational requirements which will help market our program and recruit students.”

The application for the NSCA-Education Recognition Program for Certified Training Program was written and submitted by instructor Ron Wollenhaupt. The certification is for three years through Dec. 31, 2015.

“KCKCC is one of a very few community colleges to receive this certification from the NSCA,” noted instructor Julia Bichelmeyer.

As a member of NSCA, KCKCC also now qualifies to host an Exam Prep Symposium, which is designed to provide students a review course containing the most relevant Certified Personal Trainer exam contents.