Hurlburt agencies partner to promote healthy lifestyle

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Krystal M. Garrett
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  More than two dozen children participated in the third week of the 2016 Summer Reading Program at the Hurlburt Field Library June 23.

This year the Summer Reading Program theme is Summer Olympics and called ‘Read-for the win.’

Week three highlights eating right. Those in attendance learned the importance of eating fruits and vegetables and being physically active.

“The Summer Reading Program is a Department of Defense wide, eight-week event intended to get people into libraries on base,” said Karen Lakin, Senior Library Technician with the Hurlburt Field Library. “The library is a valuable asset to the base.”

The program also promotes setting the standard for children to begin reading at an early age.

“We hope participants see the value and importance of children reading while also being educated on the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables.” said Lakin.

During the hour-long event at the library, children participated in sing and dance-alongs, read picture books about fruits and vegetables, had a fruit and vegetable tasting, and created art with vegetable stamping.

Yolanda Larson, the produce manager at the Hurlburt Commissary, showed the attendees fruits and vegetables while mentioning the benefits of each.

“Eating healthy is important for brain and body development,” said Sandra DeMezzo, a registered dietitian nutritionist with the Hurlburt Field Health and Wellness Center. “We are trying to get children excited about fruits and vegetables in hopes that they meet their daily intake quota, which is five servings of each.”

A study by the National Health Information Center showed less than one in seven adults eat the recommended daily amounts of fruit, and along with that study, it was concluded that less than 10 adults eat the recommended daily amount of vegetables.

“We are extremely excited to be a part of the community effort to promote a healthier lifestyle,” DeMezzo said.

For information on the Summer Reading Program call the Hurlburt Field Library at 884-1435.