Thirty fourth-grade students began a program called "Smart Moves toward Fitness" this month.  The program, originally created through a grant to the Well Weighs group, teaches students about healthy lifestyles.  They meet once a week with Amy Reagan, staff nurse at the local PA Department of Health office, and Linda Neiley, elementary school nurse at Towanda Area schools.  This year, the staff also includes Kara Cole, an intern with the PA Department of Health, Jill Hoffmann, YMCA Program Director, and three senior high school students - Amanda Weinman, Brandon Schuster, and Carly Gulyas. 

"Smart Moves" is formatted as a Lunch-n-Learn program.  The students meet voluntarily during their recess time on Tuesdays, and start each session with an activity that gets them moving.  This leads to an understanding of the importance of exercises for endurance, flexibility, and strength. While the students eat their lunch, they discuss topics of nutrition (using the Food Pyramid), such as "label lingo", healthy snacking, and the importance of breakfast and fiber.  An important element of the program is the student's relay of vital information to their families.