100 Citizens: Role Models for the Future
WINNER: Popular Choice Award
“100 Citizens: Role Models for the Future” reflects what our collaborative group, City of San Fernando Partnership for Healthy Families believes; ending childhood obesity within a generation begins at home with the family. We have to work with the adults, the parents and grandparents to establish a healthier lifestyle so they can teach their children how to be physically active and eat healthier. Our children can’t do it on their own. There is no better way to have our adults understand than by being involved and feel the difference it makes in their lives. They become the role models. We do this through free physical activity programming and culturally appropriate nutrition demonstrations. It has worked. The 100 Citizens program, a fitness workout in the city’s public park, has run continuously since June 2011 with exercise stations staffed by Kinesiology student volunteers educated in the delivery and benefits of physical activity. The program now includes Zumba, body sculpting, seniors, and cycle spinning which the parks charge a small fee to help program expansion. HOWEVER, the basic fitness class always will be a popular free option. The Partnership resonates with the citizens because they understand the city cares to bring education and outside resources to help them live healthier lives and transmit this to their children. The public park is free and the activity is visible which is the best marketing … people moving, the class costs nothing and most importantly, the kids see adults having fun being active. 100 Citizens is contagious. 24 Hour Fitness donated 40 spinning bikes because they recognize the value being offered and wanted to make their contribution. 100 Citizens is replicable having spawned 4 more free 100 Citizens programs serving as role models for the future. They’re teaching their kids!
177 comments
Eliza Corpuz • over 11 years ago
Great way to illustrate the partnership between a university and its surrounding community with a subject that is important to us all. Dr. Loy, I really have to commend your sense of passion in encouraging a healthy lifestyle and I hope this group does well.
Marjorie Freedman • over 11 years ago
Steven--I need the help that you have amassed here on this website to save SJSU's KIN dept. Our 2 unit activity requirement is on the chopping block. can you circulate this petition to your voters? https://www.change.org/petitions/save-the-sjsu-physical-activity-program.
I'm the professor in the SJSU/MHT food justice video, just working to make a difference. Thank you for your help.
Steven Loy • over 11 years ago
Continue voting strong. San Fernando FUERTE! Thank You!
Savior Banaga • over 11 years ago
BANAGA!
valek asatryan • over 11 years ago
CSUN KIN power! This program has to win! Keep voting everyone!!
Marilyn Alvarado • over 11 years ago
This is an amazing program! I think it is wise to implement preventive measures and proactive strategies -rather than reactive strategies- to combat obesity and weight problems. Having parents and grandparents as the target population can really make a difference... they will be encouraged to make changes in their lives and teach new "healthier" habits to their children and grandchildren. Keep on voting!!
nagwa bekir • over 11 years ago
Dr Loy program with his wonderful interns spread a positive enery to all participants and most probably to their families as well. I enjoyed this unique experience.
nagwa bekir • over 11 years ago
Dr Loy program with his wonderful interns spread a positive enery to all participants and most probably to their families as well. I enjoyed this unique experience.
Nelson Huang • over 11 years ago
Hold on tightly and never let go. We can do this!
Jen McKinney • over 11 years ago
This is a great program, please reach out to all of your contacts and get more votes. WE CAN DO THIS TOGETHER!!!
MIN P • over 11 years ago
real testimony of fitness happens in this program!!~ i heard stories from the participants how they lost weights, and i am personally experiencing it too by exercising. it is true that we sweat a lot, but it is worthy.
Dolores Calleros • over 11 years ago
I am not part of the program but my mom is and she goes everyday and I have noticed a change in her. She has more energy, is more active, and is eating better. I am so proud of her and thankful for the program. :)
Steven Loy • over 11 years ago
Thank you all for your supportive comments and votes. Let's get everyone you know who has benefitted from this program and their families to support us. That would make a big difference in the vote count ... role models are not only for children but all people you touch ... significant other, sister, brother, cousins, friends. The message we have to deliver is important. Make the votes happen!
Steven
lisa porter • over 11 years ago
Awesome work CSUN KIN!!!! Keep it up! Great job Dr. Loy!!!
Petja Waider • over 11 years ago
Just watched the video. Great job CSUN KIN Dept. and Dr. Loy! I will forward this to my group and promote this. Maybe we can start something here in my neck of the woods.
Betty Brown • over 11 years ago
Wow - this is a free program for people to get healthy and learn how to get their families healthy!
Kudos to the student volunteers and all who are making this happen!
Mike Wong • over 11 years ago
The comment section is a place for encouragement and support. If you support and/or would like to encourage our efforts for this program, for the community, and for ending childhood obesity. LET'S HEAR IT!
Speak up and let your voice be heard or in this case be read. The votes don't lie we are in first because we impact many, we inspire others, work hard, and achieve results. We are here because we strive, pushing this world forward with our inner drive, making it here on our own fierce pride.
Erin Calderone • over 11 years ago
One of the strengths of this program is that it has the potential to be replicated in EVERY COMMUNITY with people of all different ages, backgrounds, languages and abilities. We're not just focusing on a specific sub-population of the United States - anyone, anywhere can take this idea and run with it in their hometown! Be inspired! The current inactivity and obesity trends don't have to be our future. The family is one of the most powerful forces in America, and we believe that families can - and will - make the difference! Go 100 citizens!!
Julieta Garcia • over 11 years ago
To have a community based program led by knowledgeable interns is a wonderful idea! Not only is it FREE of charge for people joining, but it's a great way to have people be a part of something greater by involving their family's well being (not just individuals). Childhood Obesity is not something we want for our future, and this is a great program to replicate all around the world. The exercises in the video are also not complicated (using a tennis ball), as long as people are moving, that's all that really matters. I know that if my family had a program like this around their neighborhood, they would join. Let's get the word out and LET'S MOVE!!!
stepfon westbrook • over 11 years ago
Let's keep it up!! It's for our future!!!!
Audrey Simons • over 11 years ago
Mission Community Hospital is very pleased to be part of this community partnership to assist the 100 Citizens Project. We enjoy the collaboration and have been delighted to have our Project ALTO-D and our Diabetes and Chronic Disease Teaching Kitchen be part of this program. Keep up the great work, Dr. Loy!
Audrey S.
Brett Reinhard • over 11 years ago
Let's keep on it everyone. Go to every outlet you can to help spread this. Your church, your work, your community, every little bit counts!
Gabriela Chavira • over 11 years ago
This is a wonderful program! I was part of it last semester and lost 17 pounds and 5 inches from my waist! The students push us to work harder than we ever would on our own! I love it! They work hard at the university and in the community. This program is a true role model of university-community partnership - making a difference in the lives of people in the San Fernando Valley!
April Aguirre • over 11 years ago
I've used the fitness stations in San Fernando Recreation Park and participated in Dr. Loy's wellness program for CSUN staff members. It's a great program for all communities and I'm happy he decided to launch it in San Fernando. Childhood obesity is an adult problem; the solution begins at home with healthy habits.
James Ju • over 11 years ago
how do csun students volunteer?