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For Immediate Release
September 18, 2006
Kids in the Kitchen Whip Up Healthy Treats
Oklahoma City—We all know soft drinks, fast food,
video games and non-stop TV can lead to obesity in children, but what
are we doing to help our kids lead healthy lives? Mercy is starting in
the kitchen with Kidscook, a program for pre-kindergarteners through
fourth graders that teaches hands-on cooking and nutrition choices as
part of a healthy lifestyle.
The after-school session, Monday, October 16, from
4:30 to 6:30 p.m., will help develop healthy habits in kids in order to
decrease their risks of cancer and heart disease later in life.
Equipped with recipes and information, kids learn
the tools for tasty and healthy foods. Kids also learn to balance their
diet by using the Food Pyramid with recipes from each food group. For
each class, children prepare a healthy snack, play games and get active.
“Kids love it because they get to cook in the class
and then they take home tips for healthy meals,” said Lori Manning, a
Mercy registered dietitian. “They are no longer sitting on the couch
waiting for dinner, but they are actively involved in preparing a meal
which makes it much more interesting to them. They get really excited
when they get to be involved. They also get a glimpse of how important
it is not only to eat healthy but to be active.”
Kidscook costs $10 per child and includes
instruction, cooking demonstration, healthy snack and fitness activity.
The Mercy Cooking School is located on the lower level of the McAuley
Building, Room H. Class size is limited. For more information or to
enroll, call 752-3087.
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