SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – Hundreds of third graders, classroom teachers and physical education teachers are expected at Trails West camp Tuesday, September 23, for the Third Annual Nebraska Kids Fitness and Nutrition Day.

“It’s a day of interactive physical activity and nutrition education designed to help children avoid and control obesity,” said Martha Stricker, RN, a Community Health nurse with Regional West Medical Center and the Scotts Bluff County Health Department. “Data shows that one in every three Nebraska students is either at risk for becoming overweight or is currently overweight, including 14 percent of third through fifth graders in western Nebraska.”

Students will attend six nutrition education stations where they will learn about basic nutrition, the relationship between diet and general health, energy balance, nutrition for proper growth and development, health food choices, snack alternatives and food safety. They will also participate in physical activities including stepping, jumping, and learning new physical skills. The activities will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Kids Fitness and Nutrition Day is funded through a grant from the University of Nebraska – Kearney and the Nebraska Beef Council. Last year, 450 third graders and 150 volunteers and educators participated in the wellness event.

Regional West Health Services, with over 1,400 employees, provides comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people and communities of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming. With over 110 active physicians, 95 percent of whom are board certified or board eligible, plus an additional 25 consulting specialists, we offer care that spans more than 30 medical specialties. Regional West Medical Center, a subsidiary of Regional West Health Services, is accredited by The Joint Commission and is one of three Level II Trauma Centers in Nebraska.