UNC Asheville is offering help in the fight against childhood obesity with "Getting into Fitness Together" (GIFT), a six-week program beginning March 18, designed to help families reach fitness goals creatively. The physical activity program for children ages 6 to 12 and their families features a variety of creative events, from scavenger hunts to water games, designed to promote the enjoyment of active movement.

Now in its third year, GIFT was created by UNC Asheville Psychology Professor Melissa Himelein. This year, funding for the program comes from the Constella Group, a global health services company with headquarters in North Carolina.

Last year 10 families participated in the program. One of Himelein’s former UNC Asheville students Jessie Phillips (class of '07) recently completed follow-up interviews with GIFT "graduates" and found that the program had a very positive impact on these families.

"Families were highly satisfied with the program," said Phillips. Six months after the program ended, they maintained improvements in three areas: greater frequency of vigorous physical activity, increased intake of fruits and vegetables, and decreased intake of fried and fast foods. Phillips will be presenting the results of her research at the Southeastern Psychological Association Conference in Charlotte on March 6-8.

One unique element of GIFT is the opportunity for every participating family to be mentored by a college student.

"This added support was highly motivating to participants," Himelein said. "Many children really bonded with their mentors and some continued contact after the program ended."

Registration is now open for the 2008 program. GIFT sessions will take place on the UNC Asheville campus from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, from March 18 to April 24. Some sessions will involve full-family activities, while others will offer separate activities for adults, older youth, and younger 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 as well as a motivational incentive such as a pedometer or water bottle to stay with the program.

"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."

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, which is 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 ages 2 to 6 will be provided. Registration is $30, but 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 professor of psychology, at 828/251-6834 or click on http://facstaff.unca.edu/himelein/gift.htm.