Fun 5
Obesity continues to rise at an alarming rate, affecting children and adults in
Hawaii and the nation. Approximately 16 percent of Hawaii’s children and adolescents
are obese and about one in every three children is overweight, according to the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention.
Overweight kids have a 70 percent chance of becoming overweight or obese as adults,
and they are at increased risk of developing heart disease, some cancers, type 2
diabetes, and depression in adulthood. Forming healthy habits early in life may
help kids avoid the long-term health problems associated with obesity.
Fun 5, a physical activity and nutrition program for kids, is designed for elementary
school kids at all skill levels and is easily incorporated into the Afterschool
Plus (A+) program or in elementary school classes.
Fun 5:
- Encourages kids to exercise five days a week and eat five servings of fruits and
vegetables every day.
- Is designed to be fun to help kids form positive ideas about healthy lifestyle habits.
- Is noncompetitive, so that all participants can enjoy their success.
Fun 5 components include:
- Training workshops and follow-up by certified trainers.
- Ready-to-use, easy-to-implement activities and lesson plans.
- SPARK (Sports, Play & Active Recreation for Kids) activities developed by San
Diego State University.
- Colorful, kid-friendly sports equipment.
- Booster training sessions for staff to share ideas and offer support.
- Ongoing evaluations to document success.
In 2003, Fun 5 was piloted in 13 A+ programs on Oahu and implemented at six Hawaii
elementary schools. Fun 5 is part of more than 160 A+ program sites statewide and currently reaches more than 21,000 elementary school students. It has resulted in significant increases in their physical activity levels with accompanying improvements in self-esteem and academic achievement.
For More Information
Please visit:
Kahoomiki: Hawaii Council on Physical
Activity and Sports
Fun 5, a community partnership dedicated to help Hawaii’s keiki be healthy today
for a healthier tomorrow.
