Story provided by Stillwater Public Library
The Stillwater Public Library is holding a health literacy program on Thursday, Feb. 8, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Ultimate Air Trampoline Park. Children in grades 3-5 will jump for free while their caregivers learn about childhood nutrition in an adjacent room. The program is made possible through a health literacy grant from the Oklahoma Department of Libraries and the Institute for Museum and Library Services.
According to Elizabeth Murray, children’s services supervisor, the program is intended to give parents and caregivers a child-free opportunity to focus on learning essential health information.
“We are fortunate to have Dr. Braun leading our health discussion for caregivers,” Murray said. “One of her research specialties is childhood obesity, so caregivers will get excellent research-based information to take home and use to support and promote their children’s health. While caregivers learn more about this topic, the kids will have fun jumping free for an hour and a half.”
Braun, former Nutritional Science Assistant Professor at Oklahoma State University and current Assistant Professor in OU’s Department of Health Promotion Sciences, will present “Nutrition 101: Back to Basics to Help Our Kids Grow Strong and Healthy.” Caregivers will learn the essential nutritional elements needed for growing bodies and brains, key components in children’s diets that should be encouraged and foods that should be given in moderation.
“Leap and Learn” is free and requires registration. To sign up, go to stillwaterok.gov/LibraryHealthLit, visit the library or call (405) 372-3633. The program is limited to 30 children in grades 3-5, but multiple caregivers may accompany each child. Signed waivers will be required at the event, and attendees will meet at Ultimate Air, which is located at 1815 N. Country Club Rd. The program will take place after Ultimate Air business hours, but Ultimate Air staff and librarians will be on hand to monitor children.
Additional “Leap and Learn” programs will take place on Mar. 7 and May 2, and will feature caregiver discussions focusing on other aspects of childhood obesity and health. Registration for these programs will open two weeks before the event.
These activities are supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL). The opinions and content of activities and materials do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of ODL or IMLS, and no official endorsement should be inferred.
The Stillwater Public Library is located at 1107 S. Duck St. Library hours are Monday- Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.