Marisol Santana-Navarro is one of about 60 Hispanic and American Indian youths who recently graduated from a program designed to prevent diabetes and obesity in the two populations. The goals of Strong Fast Fit, according to program director Luis Ramirez, are to implement healthy, culturally specific and sensitive lifestyle changes in families. Youths learn new sports and exercise techniques and attend hands-on nutrition sessions. At a recent class, for example, a teacher held up a grapefruit and a bag of potato chips, pointing out that while they cost the same, the nutritional benefits of the grapefruit far outweighed the chips. "We know how to address the issues the families bring in in an appropriate way," Ramirez says -- and in their native language. "It's a place where they feel comfortable talking about their culture."WORTH THE RISK: I had to think about doing [the program]. I didn't like exercising much. I was lazy. But I was wanting to look better physically, and it was a new experience.
DIVING IN: Before this, the only exercise I got was in gym at school. Once, we did a mile, but I had to walk. Now I'm stronger, and I can run longer without stopping. I ran a cross-country race, 2 miles, and a 5K in the fall. I like to walk and run, and I learned how to swim. I like swimming best. I still need to learn a lot, but before, I was scared to float. I'll come back here to swim. I also tried tennis, Frisbee and lacrosse.
HOLD THE HOT FUDGE SUNDAE: Now that it's been snowy, my family has been going to the mall to walk every day. I eat more fruits. I'm still working on vegetables. I try to drink more water, even though I need a lot of reminders from my family. And we eat smaller portions. I try to eat one dessert instead of a lot. Instead of cookies or ice cream for a snack, I'll have fruit or granola or yogurt. At school, though, it's really hard to find things that are healthy enough to eat.
EN ESPAÑol: My mom is more comfortable with the program because the teachers speak Spanish. I'm comfortable with anybody. It doesn't matter what language they speak.
WORTH THE SACRIFICE: My friends think it's pretty cool. They're always asking me, "What are you doing after school? Let's hang out!" And I say, "No, I have to go to my program." I plan to continue being active. I've learned it's important.
LOOKING AHEAD: I definitely do want to continue my education after high school this year, but I am still unsure of where I want to attend. I did mention that I want to be an interpreter and an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher. Fitness will continue to be part of my life as I continue to use what I have learn in the program about eating healthy and being active to improve my health. Since I graduate from the Strong Fast Fit program during February, I will not have the access to the free membership that the program provides. My family is planning on buying a membership afterward so we don't lose interest in keeping our bodies healthy.Sheila Mulrooney Eldred is a Twin Cities freelance writer.
