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Success Story: The Acosta Family
El Buen Leads the Way to Combat Childhood Obesity
El Buen’s Holistic Approach to Health Reaches Entire Families
In June 2008, Sergio Acosta, 10, demonstrated it only takes willingness, persistence and a strong desire to improve health, attitude and fitness.
During El Buen’s pilot seven-week health and fitness summer program in collaboration with the RunTex Carrozza Foundation—Summer Fun with Born to Run, Sergio learned how to get and stay in shape by incorporating running and healthy eating habits in his daily routine. According to Sergio’s mother, Mrs. Emilia Acosta, Sergio’s transformation was physically evident, as his lifestyle was directly impacted by the nutrition-focused curriculum.
“Sergio doesn't drink sodas anymore," Mrs. Acosta said. "I have seen a positive change in his self-esteem and his attitude. I believe his evident weight loss has motivated him to keep leading a healthy lifestyle. He drinks water with every meal now."
Like Sergio, many participants of the program positively changed their eating habits.
"The children loved the healthy snacks and the nutrition bars," said Mrs. Lorena Devlyn, volunteer coach with the RunTex Carrozza Foundation. "It is rewarding to witness the positive impact this program had on the children."
The entire Acosta family was committed to improving its health and fitness at El Buen. While Sergio and his younger sister, Jessica, participated in the program, their younger brothers, Juan Carlos, 5, and Anthony, 3, participated in a recently implemented health and fitness curriculum component at El Buen's Child Learning Center. Meanwhile, their mother positively affected her health and fitness by taking cycling, zumba, kickboxing and nutrition classes in El Buen's Vida y Salud (Health & Wellness) Program.
"El Buen's nutritious cooking classes have broadened my understanding of health," Mrs. Acosta said. "I have come to value the importance of exercise and nutrition, and now it is up to me to create an awareness of good health and fitness in my children."
The Acosta family remains active throughout the year. While Sergio plays in a local soccer league, Jessica participates in a volleyball program at school, and Mrs. Acosta continues to take exercise classes at El Buen Samaritano.
To view pictures of the program, click here.
