Let’s Go! Enhances physical activity for youths

Local area youth who attend the Grasshopper Academy, Houlton Elementary School and Houlton Parks and Recreation will have more physical activity opportunities thanks to mini grants received from the Let’s Go! program.
Let’s Go! aims to improve healthy lifestyles of youth by promoting consistent 5-2-1-0 messaging in six areas: school, after-school, early childhood, health care, worksites and community organizations. 5-2-1-0 stands for five or more fruits and vegetables, two hours or less of recreational screen time, one hour or more of physical activity and zero sugary drinks daily.
    Each of the awarded recipients applied in order to increase physical activity opportunities at their site. The Grasshopper Academy purchased a baby play corral, which allows the infants at the center to engage in baby yoga, tummy time and other activities. Previously, the Grasshopper Academy has been supported by the program with a climb and crawl caterpillar for toddlers and balance beam for all ages, which are used in order to offer physical activity behavior rewards.
Houlton Elementary School was awarded funds to support four physical activity gaming stations (one per grade) that are used to increase physical activity opportunities during inclement weather when students are inside. The stations are also incorporated during physical education.
“The students love it and hate to leave when PE is up!” according to Shari Good, Houlton Elementary School physical education instructor.
Houlton Parks and Recreation received funds to support the purchase of a new piece of equipment at the Just For Kids community playground. The tunnel drop-shot basketball will be available for use this summer.
Other sites in the Houlton area that incorporate Let’s Go! and promote the 5-2-1-0 message are Houlton Pediatrics, Susan Sewell’s Daycare and the Maliseet After-School Program. For more information on Let’s Go!, visit www.letsgo.org or contact Martha Bell at mjbell@emh.org.