CHILDHOOD OBESITY A CONCERN FOR JUNIOR ALLIANCE OF MEDICINE
By Jeani Taliaferro, JAM Advisor
The St. Johns County Junior Alliance of Medicine (JAM), wants to educate the community about childhood obesity. Recent studies in the news have made this issue an urgent cause for the group and they want to spread a message throughout the community.
The students presented a display at Ancient City Kids Day this year, warning everyone to "Look Out For Childhood Obesity". The presentation also showed visitors to the booth how important it is to look for physical activity and a healthy diet, especially sugary drinks, that recent studies show are closely linked to this problem.
Members of JAM led all visitors in some exercise activities and gave away heart-shaped whistles labeled with a message to "Get Fit for Healthy Hearts!". In addition, visitors were offered eyeball stickers and glow-in-the-dark sticky eyes reminding them to "Watch out!"
The Junior Alliance, works with the support of the St. Johns County Medical Alliance and is comprised mostly of the children of local physicians and other youth interested in health related issues affecting our community. Many are involved in the ongoing project at the Wildflower Clinic creating health education displays for their waiting room.
JAM also plans to offer their project for display at local schools in the coming months.
