June 16, 2003

URBANA—A Chicago youth program that has led to improved diets and physical activity levels is now available on the internet through University of Illinois Extension’s Urban Programs Resource Network. The program combines jumping rope with nutrition lessons.

“There have been many success stories involving children who participated in the program and, as a result, started to eat more fruits and vegetables,” said Jane Scherer, U of I Extension urban programming specialist. “Also, we’ve found that many children in the program have opted to watch less television.”

Jennifer McCaffrey, an educator with U of I Extension’s Expanded Family Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) in Chicago, is in charge of the program targeted toward youth ages seven to 13.

The program, Healthy Hopping, is on the Just for Kids section of the Urban Programs Resource Network, located at: http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/ or one can go directly to the site at: http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/hopping/ .

The site is divided into four sections: Single Jump Rope Stunts, Jump Rope Rhymes and Games, Jump Rope Snacks, and About the Program.

“Each lesson contains a nutrition activity, jump rope skills, and preparation of a healthy snack,” said McCaffrey. “Besides teaching nutrition and physical activity, the program provides the youth the opportunity to work together and practice achieving new skills.”

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