Children may be the Key to Healthy Families

In the 1970s, it was children who spearheaded the movement to get their moms and dads to wear seat belts, a movement that has since become law in all 50 states and saved countless lives. Fifty years later, children remain powerful influencers within their families, however today children are spearheading a movement to become “Naturally Well.”  

Naturally Well is a children’s nutrition education program for third through fifth graders at the Institute of Natural Medicine (INM). The program teaches children about nutrition, healthy eating, and diet strategies that will allow children to change the trajectory of their health, according to Michelle Simon, president and CEO of INM.  

The 10-week program includes learning about nutrition, diet, and cooking, but also the mind-body-spirit connection to good health, identifying potential health issues, exercise and involving your family in healthy choices.  At such a young age, some may think it would be difficult to keep 8-and-9-year-olds engaged in an hour-long class about nutrition. However, Naturally Well utilizes different strategies, such as video content, hands on experience, and an educational app to keep the young learners hooked.

Naturally Well also partners with organizations around the country, including YMCA and the Boys and Girls Club, to teach lifelong health among children and their families in at-risk communities. Simon said Naturally Well aims to find a “mutual interest match,” reaching out to local organizations that would allow Naturally Well to apply their content in a way that is culturally relevant to the local community.  

Simon said the overarching goal of Naturally Well is to offer proper health education to children that allows them to understand the importance of food and nutrition, as well as physical activity. “Although young,” Simon said, “these students are at the unique age of starting to grow into themselves and can become ambassadors for encouraging Naturally Well living to their peer groups and families.”

For more information, please visit: Naturally Well Program - Institute for Natural Medicine

You can also reach out directly to admin@naturemed.org.

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