Sixth Graders Learn about Health from Mother-Daughters Team

A Maimonides mother-daughters team delivered an important message to two Grade 6 science classes recently: “physical activity plus sound nutrition equal good health.”

Jessica Jaffe ’08 narrated the PowerPoint production “The Power of Prevention through Fitness and Nutrition,” with support from her mother, Dr. Linda Jaffe and sister Emily, a fourth grader. Dr. Jaffe is an endocrinologist with Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates. The program was part of an ongoing initiative by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists to combat childhood obesity and encourage healthy living habits among students.

The 30-minute presentation will “remind you of the basics of health, nutrition and exercise habits so they can be a part of your daily life,” Jessica told the sixth graders at the start. Her talk and slides included ideas on healthy activity, setting realistic goals, and the components of as balanced diet.

“Activity is a key, and the best way to stay fit if to increase your lifestyle around it,” Jessica asserted. And that includes simple things, like taking the stairs or walking, as well as organized games and sports. She provided information on the national Presidential Active Lifestyle Award, a fitness recognition program sponsored by the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

“Nutrition is the second part of the equation,” Jessica emphasized, explaining how to manage food quantities by becoming familiar with recommended serving sizes. “Obesity has an adverse impact on children’s health,” Dr. Jaffe said after the presentation. “Long-term obesity is associated with greater risks of many chronic diseases… Studies have shown that teaching kids to eat smarter, be more active and watch less TV now can create healthy lifestyles later.”

Students also learned that endocrinologists are physicians who specialize in the study of glands, hormones and metabolic processes.