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Come join the next MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition… Do it!) program in the Longmont area, starting soon! A bit about MEND: MEND is a free, ten-week healthy lifestyle program for children and their parents or caregivers. It’s proven to help the whole family get fitter, healthier and happier. How does it work? Our twice-weekly sessions are a mix of family activities (where we show you how small changes can make a big difference) and fun physical activity sessions for the kids while the parents and leaders discuss topics in more detail. After just ten weeks, you and your family will be well on your way to a healthier life. But it doesn’t stop there. We offer families free support for two whole years – you get access to our exclusive website, newsletters, and local graduate activities. MEND leaders We choose our MEND leaders for their friendly personalities and of course their knowledge and skills in healthy living and physical activity. You’ll probably have two or three MEND leaders on your program who will run different parts of the session. All leaders have been thoroughly trained by MEND to deliver programs and have all had a Criminal Records check. Other families There are usually around 10-12 families at each MEND program and everyone’s in the same boat. Many are nervous at first, but we find that both parents and children make new friends and enjoy the open, supportive atmosphere created by our MEND leaders. Your MEND kit When you join MEND, you’ll get a family pack full of fantastic tools that will help you get healthier together. During the program you will receive different tools and helpful handouts to help you remember what you learn at MEND. Children’s activities These become many kids’ favorite thing about MEND – even if they never enjoyed being active before. It’s not like school physical education, but a fun mix of games, activities and sometimes swimming that everyone can join in, whatever their ability. By the end of the program, most children feel fitter, better about themselves, and excited to join activity clubs, teams or classes after MEND. FAQs from other parents Q. Should I see if my child grows out of their weight first? Unfortunately, most children don’t grow out of being overweight on their own. Many overweight children grow up to be overweight adults. Why? Well, the world we live in makes it very easy to eat unhealthy foods and be less active. It’s the same reason why over a third of adults are overweight or obese in the US. However, MEND is proven to make a difference. Here your child will learn the skills they need to start feeling fitter, healthier and happier now – and continue to be healthy for life. Q. Won’t I know it all already? There is so much information out there in newspapers, magazines and on TV about what’s healthy and what’s not. While some of it is great, there is a lot that is misleading and actually unhealthy for you and your family. MEND has been developed by experts in nutrition, physical activity and psychology who have years of experience working in child weight management – so we really know what works. What’s more, we’ll show you easy ways to put the things you Q. Will my child enjoy MEND? Yes – many children are apprehensive about joining new things at first, but once they’ve started MEND most of them don’t want it to end! Taking part in fun physical activities, meeting new friends, tasting new foods and spending time with their parent or caregiver are usually what children enjoy the most. Q. Twice a week is a big commitment. Will it be worth it? We’re pretty sure the 35,000 other families who’ve been on MEND would say yes. It is a commitment – but after the program you and your child will have learned a whole new set of skills that you have for life. Try to see the weeks at MEND as an investment for the future of your children and your whole family. Q. Why do parents or caregivers have to go too? Healthy living programs that focus on the whole family like MEND are proven to be more effective. Even older children and teenagers don’t have full control over their food choices, daily routine and activity levels, so it’s crucial that their key caregiver comes as well. Many families find that the whole family feels fitter and healthier after MEND. Q. Why is it called MEND? MEND is an acronym that stands for Mind, Exercise, Nutrition… Do it! These are the four steps to a healthier life and it’s what the MEND program is based on. Over the program we’ll cover all of them to help your family get fitter, healthier and happier. Q. Can I ask friends to join too? Yes of course. One in three children are above a healthy weight, so the chances are that you’ll know lots of other families who would benefit from MEND too. Asking friends to join is great for sharing rides, staying motivated, and doing healthy activities together. Q. Why is MEND free? MEND is completely free to you and other families in your area because we have local funding for programs to be run. Q. How do we sign up for MEND? You can sign up for MEND by stopping by the Welcome desk at the YMCA and filling out the registration form on the inside of the MEND brochure. |
