UNC Asheville is offering help in the fight against childhood obesity with “Getting into Fitness Together” (GIFT), a seven-week program designed to help families reach fitness goals creatively. The physical fitness program for children ages 7 to 12 and their families features a variety of activities, from scavenger hunts to water games, designed to promote the enjoyment of active movement.

Now in its second year, GIFT was created by UNC Asheville psychology professor Melissa Himelein with funds from the Bremen Professorship, a two-year, $8,000 fund that helps social science professors implement a project unrelated to traditional teaching activities.

Last year 13 families participated and successfully completed the program. Himelein and her students recently conducted interviews with the former participants and discovered that the program made a positive impact on these families.

"Five month later, eight of the families felt they had maintained their changes and had remained more active and continued to eat more healthfully," said Himelein. "Others reported a positive attitude about physical activity or a jump start back into overall fitness."

Registration is now open for the 2007 program. GIFT sessions will take place on the UNC Asheville campus from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays from March 13 to April 26.  Some sessions will involve fitness activities for the entire family, while others will offer separate exercise for adults and children. Adults will engage in walking, jogging, weight lifting or water aerobics, while active physical games and outdoor play are planned for the children. Each week, participants will also be given a “homework” activity that all family members can participate in.

“If a child is overweight, there has to be a family response,” said Himelein. “Most children aren't going to get themselves out to exercise or eat nutritious meals. A family has to approach the problem together if things are going to change.”

The program pairs each family with a UNC Asheville student who will work one-on-one with family members. Students include dancers, athletes, child caretakers, camp counselors and future elementary school teachers, who all have an interest in health promotion. With an emphasis on psychological well-being, the program is intended to foster a positive attitude towards personal wellness and health.

“We’ll use psychology in terms of working with people in sensitive, helpful ways,” Himelein said. “There’s a pretty strong relationship between mood and aerobic activity. We will put a premium on activities being fun and noncompetitive, keeping people happy, and getting them active.”

Childhood obesity is on the rise nationwide and is a particular problem in Western North Carolina. In Buncombe County, 20.8 percent of children 2 to 19 are classified as overweight, some four percent above state average, according to data collected at local health departments in 2003. Nationwide, 16 percent of children are overweight, more than double the amount 20 years ago. For the first time in history, statistics show that children today are not expected to live longer than their parents due to the growing problem of childhood obesity.

Participating in UNC Asheville’s GIFT program is one active step in the right direction. Families struggling with weight issues or that want to become fitter may register for the program. Children cannot participate unless at least one parent is involved. Free childcare for children too young to participate will be provided. Registration is $35. As an incentive, the registration fee will be fully refunded to those who complete the program.

For more information or to register, call Melissa Himelein, UNC Asheville psychology professor, at 828/251-6834 or click on http://facstaff.unca.edu/himelein/gift.htm.