Wider Horizons asked Stephanie Wierl, Projects Coordinator at Lethbridge College’s Be Fit for Life Centre, 
to share her thoughts on health, fitness, families and fun. Wierl is one of the organizers of MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do It!), a 10-week program offered with Alberta Health Services that is for children aged five to 13 and their families. It combines lessons in healthy eating, active living and behaviour change.
MEND has been offered two times at the college. Two more sessions – one for children between the ages of five and seven and another for children between the ages of seven and 13 – will be offered this winter from January to March. In the meantime, look to Wierl for ideas of how to make fitness – and healthy living – truly fun for people of all ages.
Wider Horizons: What are some fun games or activities anyone can try this winter?
STEPHANIE WIERL: Play outdoors. It’s simple, requires no equipment and you can do it anywhere. Build snow forts, snowmen or play a game of shinny or tag.
WH: What activities can you recommend for summer – some sports or games we might not immediately think of?
SW: It is important to try a variety of activities in a variety of environments to develop physical literacy. Maybe think of trying canoeing or kayaking this summer.
WH: What is one of the biggest barriers to living a healthy life?
SW: Hectic schedules. Families and students are all running in different directions throughout the day and say they don’t have time for physical activity. Simply schedule it like any other part of your day; then you will be more likely to get out and move. Adults should aim for 30 to 60 minutes of activity per day. Children ages five to 11 should aim for at least 60 minutes per day. This can be in 15 to 20 minute bouts throughout the day and does not have to be done all at once.
WH: What are three changes we can all make to improve our health?
SW: We can move more, adopt healthy eating habits, have fun and laugh!
WH: What about food? Does healthy living mean we’re destined to face plates filled with kale and quinoa every night (nothing against kale and quinoa, of course)?
SW: Not at all. Start off with simple changes like adding an extra serving of fruit and vegetables each day or drinking more water. Small, simple changes over time are more manageable than changing everything all at once. You will increase your chance for success and be more likely to stick with it with small, simple changes.
WH: Potato chips, chocolate, ice cream – we all have our favourite treats. Any tips on how to say no to these temptations, or at least how to enjoy them in moderation?
SW: Moderation is the key. Allow yourself those treats from time to time but not on a regular basis. If we deny ourselves those foods, we are more likely to overindulge when we can get our hands on them.
WH: What kind of feedback have you heard from the children who have completed the MEND program?
SW: Most children who have participated in our program are shy, introverted or lack self-esteem. They have found that MEND has enabled them to make more friends.
WH: What do their parents say?
SW: Parents have said that their children’s self-confidence has increased. One child tried out for multiple school teams every year and was very disappointed when he didn’t make the team, but after being in MEND, not making the team was not such a big deal after all. He found other activities that interested him to keep himself active.
WH: What is your own favourite activity to beat away the winter blues?
SW: Simple…walking. I love getting outside in the crisp air and enjoying the scenery.
