“100 Citizens: Role Models for the Future” reflects what our collaborative group, City of San Fernando Partnership for Healthy Families believes; ending childhood obesity within a generation begins at home with the family. We have to work with the adults, the parents and grandparents to establish a healthier lifestyle so they can teach their children how to be physically active and eat healthier. Our children can’t do it on their own. There is no better way to have our adults understand than by being involved and feel the difference it makes in their lives. They become the role models. We do this through free physical activity programming and culturally appropriate nutrition demonstrations. It has worked. The 100 Citizens program, a fitness workout in the city’s public park, has run continuously since June 2011 with exercise stations staffed by Kinesiology student volunteers educated in the delivery and benefits of physical activity. The program now includes Zumba, body sculpting, seniors, and cycle spinning which the parks charge a small fee to help program expansion. HOWEVER, the basic fitness class always will be a popular free option. The Partnership resonates with the citizens because they understand the city cares to bring education and outside resources to help them live healthier lives and transmit this to their children. The public park is free and the activity is visible which is the best marketing … people moving, the class costs nothing and most importantly, the kids see adults having fun being active. 100 Citizens is contagious. 24 Hour Fitness donated 40 spinning bikes because they recognize the value being offered and wanted to make their contribution. 100 Citizens is replicable having spawned 4 more free 100 Citizens programs serving as role models for the future. They’re teaching their kids!
100 Citizens: Role Models for the Future
Popular Choice Award
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Other information
Date entered: April 05, 2012
Organization Type: Community-based institution
Program Scope: Local program
180 comments
This program rocks!! Student volunteers in Kinesiology at Cal State University -- vibrant, enthusiastic, supportive people -- and their exuberant leader, Dr. Loy are making a difference. Vote for this program that is working to end childhood and adult obesity.
Thank you.
That would be students and Dr. Loy are from California State University, NORTHRIDGE :)
This is a great program that needs to be set up in every state in this country! A simple yet beneficial program that anyone who is looking to lose weight, change their lifestyle, or simply have some fun exercising will enjoy this program. The dramatic influence of this program can be seen in not only the video, but from the participants faces - they FEEL GOOD that they are taking advantage of the opportunity to become FIT!!!
CSUN's Kinesiology Program and their 100 Citizens Program led by Dr. Steven Loy represent the exercise and motivation guidance we need in our communities. With today's public health crisis we all need to be supportive of our school's and wellness programs. Let's hope more funding is put into our physical education programs. It is interesting that the last 25 years has witnessed less funding for physical education programs and during this time we have seen less people in this country exercise and we have more obesity and diabetes. Let's all join this MOVEMENT!
As Mayor for the City of San Fernando, it was an honor and a priviledge to partner Dr. Loy and CSUN Kinesiology to pilot an awesome program not only for the City but the Northeast San Fernando Valley. This area is under served and with the epidemic levels of obesity and diabetes, the partnership was a perfect match. We had community members thanking and asking that the programming continue as long as possible. Not only was the transformation physically visible, the increase in self esteem and motivation of some of the participant was incredible. Thank you Dr. Loy and all the student volunteers for all your coaching.
How can this innovative program be brought to California's Central Valley, where it is much needed?
This is an excellent program. Dr. Loy and his kinesiology students are providing a great service to the community. The infomation and motivation this program provides for the public will hopefully make a significant impact on health awareness and physical health in a population that is underserved.
From Steven Loy: The bigger picture is that what we're doing can be replicated through University Kinesiology Departments across the country and the cost can be minimal because it's driven by Kinesiology educated students. What are the savings for someone to stop taking meds for hypertension? What does it mean for a participant to stop using a cane and not have to have the surgery she was scheduled for? The Kinesiology educated graduate can be employed in the public parks system to supervise the KIN student intern/volunteer. This leads to job creation. In Pasadena, they have created 10 new paid intern positions for students with KIN education and part of their responsibilities? New 100 Citizen programs. This is how the program can spread ... by people understanding what KIN can DO! Thanks for your daily votes!
Academic and community work together to make the best effort and benefit both.
we KIN do it! :)
Best Of Luck Very Great Example Of Community Participation For Creation Of Best Society!!!
What a great program that incorporates the university working with the community to accomplish goals that will have such a significant impact on health and well being.
Thank you all for the help through your votes, comments, email and facebook shares. The support has been immensely positive and encouraging.
This result is just a reflection of how many individuals the 100 Citizens have impacted. What started as a thesis for Corina Martinez has evolved into something that connects the university, local community, city, and hospital together. It is great to see all of us working together to achieve our collective ambitions of becoming better role models, living healthier quality lives, and ending childhood obesity.
Keep up the support and remember everyday your vote is another step in helping all of us reach our goals.
This program is an excellent opportunity to get in shape, flex, balance, and be healthy. I started with this program from the beginning(2011-present), and seen improvements.
No longer have to take high cholesterol medicine(Statin)per my doctor....as long as I stick to the program and watch what I eat. I'm 10 lbs away from my goal! Thanks Dr. Loy, and student volunteers for all their encouragement & nutrition information. "Vote Daily Everyone!!"
Thankful for this program is in our community. Learned various exercises to keep fit, and balanced. Great motivation to be healthier. Enjoy all the program the SF rec. ctr has to offer and a afforable fee($3.00wk various classes) and the outdoor fitness program is free!(Wed. Fri. 8:15-9:15am).
100 citizens is going all the way!
I am telling my friends and family about this wonderful program.
This is a great way to spread the word through action.
We become an example for future generations.
Thank you for all the great support given already. Please continue to vote so we can deliver our message all the way! It's a model that can be replicated in all Kinesiology departments if we get the word out and this can make that happen. Keep the votes coming in! Steven
A great program that’s truly making a difference in way over 100 lives!
Keep voting!! The program has limitless potential to reach all demographics and better the lives of those who need it most through physical activity with Kinesiology students' expertise!
Admirable and inspiring. Just like my fruits and veggies, I am clicking as much as I can ;D
This is a fabulous program. Keep voting and and we can keep it alive.
CSUN students and faculty are awesome! Great work! I am so honored to be an alum of CSUN Kinesiology - class of 1998. I am voting everyday :)
OK!!! We have now been able to reach out to our CSUN alums and they are starting to respond!!! Let's all get on board. Thank you for all everyone is doing to support Northridge. A win is for all of us and most ... the future!
Looking good people.....keep on voting!!!!
We need to send Dr. Loy to Washington DC to represent this great program. Every Vote Counts...."Lets Move!"
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