Dear Medford Patch,

Since October, Hallmark Health System’s Nutrition and Rehabilitation Departments have implemented the Healthy Kids in Motion program at the McGlynn Middle School. The 13-week program, which is implemented in sixth grade health classes, is made possible through a grant Hallmark Health received from Medford Health Matters.

Healthy Kids in Motion, presented by Kim Talbot, RD LDN, Hallmark Health’s nutrition manager, and Jessica Harney, DPT, OTR/L, Hallmark Health’s director of rehabilitation services, has reached approximately 70 students and have taught them about the food guide pyramid and the activity pyramid, reading and understanding food labels, understanding portion control, learning about aerobic exercises and heart rate monitoring, strengthening and stretching activities as well as the importance of “balancing calories in with calories out.”

A Parent Education night and a graduation ceremony for the students was recently held at the school. Each student received a certificate and a “goodie bag” filled items that reflect nutrition and fitness.

This program will be implemented in the Andrews Middle School beginning in Jan. 2012.

-Jesse Kawa, Hallmark Health Care