Hey, kids! Being fit and eating right go hand-in-hand. And, they’re fun and easy to do. Just ask the students at Macdonell Elementary School and Christen Middle School in Laredo Independent School District. They’ve been “taking one step” toward better fitness since January, when a special event was held at the Christen Middle School gymnasium. The middle school and elementary students are fitness “buddies” as they prepare for a 2K Fun Run/Walk later this year. In the meantime, they’re walking, jumping rope, playing frisbee, and learning how to make some tasty, nutritious snacks.

The Take Once Step program kicked off In January with a special event at Christen Middle School. Students participating in the project each received a pedometer and tracking log, so they can log the number of steps they take every day. The event included a very special appearance by the defending 2005-06 CHL President’s Cup Champion Laredo Bucks hockey team, who spoke to the students about fitness, nutrition, and teamwork.

The students will meet again in April before the 2K Fun Run. Between meetings, they’re keeping in touch with one another through journal writing.

YOU can take one step toward better fitness, too. Click the links below to learn more. Maybe you can start a Take One Step program at your school!

Parents—Watch the special program, FAT: What No One Is Telling You, premiering Wednesday, April 11, 2007 at 8:00 p.m. on KLRN-TV.  FAT: What No One Is Telling You gives viewers a window into the intense human dramas that rage inside people who are overweight and explains why their weight problems are so hard to solve.