Mosholu Montefiore Community Center
Mosholu Montefiore Community Center
Project Title
The Bronx Nutrition and Fitness Initiative for Teens
Award Amount
$150,000
Location
The Bronx
Web Site
Date Awarded
November 16, 2006
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reports that almost one in three high school students in New York City is obese. Obese children are prone to serious health risks including high blood pressure and cholesterol, adult onset diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, worsening of asthma, and even obesity-related kidney, liver, and bone disease.
This grant to the Mosholu Montefiore Community Center and The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore supports the B’N Fit Program, which addresses the epidemic of obesity among New York high school students. B’N Fit 's grant-funded activities include: (1) expanded capacity for screening youth with undiagnosed health problems at Mosholu Montefiore Community Center and in area high schools; (2) referral and enrollment of teens identified as obese in B'N Fit's intensive 12-week program, which provides physical exams, counseling about methods to lose weight, and motivational activities to encourage exercise and good nutrition; (3) monthly orientations for parents of youth new to the program; and (4) healthy food demonstrations for all families, as well as in-home assessments and nutrition counseling.
Mosholu Montefiore Community Center has been serving impoverished and diverse Bronx communities since 1942. Its mission is to stabilize and unite communities and assist and empower people to achieve their fullest potential, live as independently as possible, and have a stake in society.