by Administrator
7. November 2011 15:36
Meet Nicky. Nicky is a panda bear – a fictional panda bear whose goal is to teach 4-year-olds about proper nutrition.
Nicky is the main character in a story developed by Julia Wacker, Docs For Tots Program Coordinator and Director of Community Outreach for the Healthy Lifestyles Program at Duke Children's Primary Care, and her team of pediatric residents that work together to influence the overall health of young children.
The story of Nicky the Panda Bear was introduced this year in NC Pre-Kindergarten classrooms as part of the Healthy Lifestyles Program, which was expanded to include nutrition and wellness instruction tailored for 4-year-olds. The program connects pediatric residents with preschoolers during 30-minute lessons twice monthly.
Through hearing Nicky’s story and participating in physical activity, the children learn nutrition and wellness basics within the pre-k environment. The lesson is known as the “5-3-2-1-Almost None” Method. Here are the basics:
Eat FIVE fruits and veggies a day!
Eat THREE structured meals per day, including breakfast.
Watch less than TWO hours of TV, games, and computer a day!
Be active at least ONE hour a day!
Almost NONE high-sugar juice and soda – drink water & milk every day.
Photo of pediatric residents Waitman Aumann and Samareh Hill with an NC Pre-K classroom at Primary Colors Early Learning Center on Dixon Road.