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Lets’ Talk – Turning the Tide
Tenesha Hicks misses her chips and Hot Fries, but at 14 she is developing
a more nutrition oriented palate, thanks in part to the Obici Healthcare
Foundation.
Slender enough to be nicknamed “Bones,” Tenesha, a freshman
at Lakeland High, doesn’t worry about the teenage obesity
that plagues many girls her age but, after two years in the Nutrition,
Education and Dance obesity prevention program of Let’s Talk,
Inc., an Obici Healthcare Foundation supported agency, she appreciates
that food good for the body can taste good too.
“Teens from 11 to 13 love the cooking and eat this program
up,” says Veronica
McMillian, Founder/Life Coach of Let’s Talk. “They make
everything, nutritional snacks to gourmet mac and cheese and use
natural products whenever possible.”
Taking a break from a banana pudding lesson led by professional
chef Elsa
Tiritilli, Tenesha says “I taught my mom how to make fruit
cup and panini.”
That’s good news for McMillian. “We want to engage the
families as well as
the children,” she says, adding that families define comfort
food.
“Some of our kids have never tried raspberries or kiwis,”
she says. “They called them hairy fruit.”
Exposing the youngsters to healthy food choices is one component
of the program. Exercise is another.
McMillian noticed that many young teens don’t exercise so
she introduces them to belly dancing, African dancing, Hip Hop and
gymnastics at a local gymnastic center.
Started four years ago, Let’s Talk focuses on empowering the
at-risk, underserved younger teen population.
“They have a slew of issues including abuse, homelessness
and obesity with its contributing factors,” McMillian says.
“We teach coping strategies - what causes you to eat and how
we can redirect.”
Next on her agenda? Additional programs for youngsters with BMI
(Body Mass Index) issues.
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