Healthy Habits and Happy Lives: The Impact of Fit for Life Program
In partnership with Johnson and Johnson Philippines, the 6-month Fit for Life Program has made a lasting impact on the Mano Amiga community. The program strengthened teacher capacities in delivering health and nutrition classes, improved student awareness, and empowered parents to make healthier choices.
By integrating the Fit for Life modules into the school’s health and discovery classes, teachers efficiently taught 47 students from Kinder to Grade 4. Lessons and activities facilitated active learning and practical application. For instance, students demonstrated their understanding of hygiene practices like handwashing, which was particularly essential during a week-long shift to online classes when many were sick with coughs and colds.
Participants of the parent workshops gained greater awareness of the impact of food and hygiene practices on their family's health and wellbeing. They were motivated to explore affordable and healthier options, moving away from unhealthy traditional choices and popular trends. One parent shared how the nutrition session and cooking demo helped her become more confident in experimenting with food, incorporating more vegetables and fruits into her children's meals without compromising taste.
We are thankful for our speakers, Ms. Samantha Morales, a licensed nutritionist and dietitian, and Mr. Aaron Roxas, a registered nurse, for delivering highly engaging and informative parent workshops. We also thank our volunteer doctors, Dr. Kat Bolanos, Dr. Alec Bukuhan, Dr. Jan Cabrera, Dr. Hans Bondoc, and Dr. John Bulaong, and Nurse Ruth Agir, who made the culminating event a success by providing free medical consultations to the Mano Amiga families.
As the Fit for Life Program comes to an end on July 24, 2023, its impact continues as participants evaluate their decisions and make conscious efforts towards a healthier life. Together, the program has laid the foundation for healthier habits and happier lives.
“Ang pinaka-nakatatak sa aking isip sa lahat ng sessions na na-attendan ko po ay ang Nutrisyon 101 sapagkat ito ay nakatulong para mapagsilbihan at mahainan ko ang aking pamilya ng wasto, sapat at masustansyang pagkain na kaya ng bulsa. Naniniwala din po ako na Health is Wealth kaya sa pamamagitan ng wastong pagkain ay maiiwasan namin ang mga sakit.”
“Marami akong natutunan tungkol sa program na kailangan ma-apply upang makatulong nang malaki sa pamilya. Inaasahan kong magkakaroon pa po ng mas maraming workshop at seminar na makakatulong sa pagdevelop ng bawat tao at pamilya.”
“Naging mas conscious ako sa mga pagkain na hinahanda sa pamilya. Naging mas malawak din ang aking kaalaman sa pag-handle ng mga sakit sa pamilya.”
