Local organizations team up to help Monterey County youth learn healthy lifestyle habits
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Monica Sciuto, monica.sciuto@montagehealth.org, (831) 622-2756
Aspire Health hosted Healthy Youth Field Day in partnership with Montage Health Foundation to support and inspire healthy habits for Monterey County youth
MONTEREY, CA — On May 14, more than 130 Monterey County elementary school students and their teachers attended Healthy Youth Field Day, presented by Montage Health Foundation and Aspire Health, at Cardinale Stadium, home of Monterey Bay Football Club (Monterey Bay F.C.).
The half-day event taught youth about nutrition and physical activity through an easy-to-remember 5210 framework — 5 daily servings of fruits and vegetables, 2 hours or less of recreational screen time, 1 hour or more of physical activity, and 0 sugary drinks.
As each class rotated through each 5210 zone, they learned essential healthy habits through fun and engaging activities like soccer drills with Monterey Bay F.C. players, an art project with Montage Health Foundation, a team-building relay with Kids Eat Right, and a movement challenge with Aspire Health’s Don’t Feed the Diabetes Beast. The day concluded with a healthy lunch and group picture.
Third- and fourth-graders from Ione Olson Elementary School in Marina, University Park Elementary School in Salinas, and San Vincente Elementary School in Soledad participated in this year’s field day. The trip recognized the schools, teachers, and classrooms that have championed and participated in Aspire Health’s school education curriculum.
“Healthy Youth Field Day is a celebration of Aspire Health and Montage Health Foundation’s commitment to promoting healthy lifestyle habits and reducing the risk for type 2 diabetes and prediabetes in Monterey County,” says Tyler Munson, Chief Executive Officer of Aspire Health. “It is inspiring to see community partners, schools, and health educators convene for the second year in a row to foster a generation of healthy students across the county.”
The Monterey County Health Needs Collaborative’s 2022 community health survey listed diabetes as Monterey County’s top health issue. More than half of Monterey County residents have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, which is well above the national average. Developing healthy habits early can reduce diabetes risk for young people and their families.
Healthy Youth Field Day was made possible by grant support from Montage Health Foundation and developed by Aspire Health.
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ASPIRE HEALTH
In collaboration with Montage Health and Salinas Valley Health, Aspire Health is committed to inspiring every individual to live life to the fullest. Our mission is to improve the health of all by bringing together people, providers, payers, and community partners to promote wellness and deliver the best possible care. We help people find solutions to overcome barriers to good health — financial, emotional behavioral, and clinical — so they can be more active, more independent, and more in control of their health. Learn more at www.aspirehealth.org.
MONTAGE HEALTH FOUNDATION
Montage Health Foundation is a nonprofit organization that inspires and coordinates philanthropic support for Montage Health programs that advance healthcare excellence and strengthen community health. Montage Health Foundation supports the work of Montage Health through grant-making, volunteerism, and philanthropic partnerships with community members and like-minded organizations. Find more information about Montage Health Foundation at montagehealthfoundation.org.
MONTEREY BAY F.C.
On February 1, 2021, the United Soccer League (USL) announced that Monterey Bay Football Club (Monterey Bay F.C.) joined the USL Championship for the 2022 season. The club plays on the campus of California State University, Monterey Bay and privately invested millions to upgrade the existing facilities of what is now known as Cardinale Stadium to bring the venue’s capacity to 6,000. Monterey Bay F.C. is led by Owner and Chairman Ray Beshoff who, alongside a dedicated group of local investors, revealed the club’s official crest and colors in July 2021; a crest that was designed by and for the regional community. The club’s soccer operations are led by two-time MLS Coach of the Year Frank Yallop who serves as Sporting Director and Head Coach for the club, and Assistant Coach Ramiro Corrales, who is from Salinas. Learn more about Monterey Bay F.C. at montereybayfc.com.
