Polinsky Health Fair Highlights Live Well, San Diego!

The Polinsky Children’s Center (PCC) recently hosted its third annual health fair for teen foster youth and their caregivers.   The event, “Celebrating Health,”   promoted healthy eating, physical activity and living tobacco and drug free lives.  

Nearly 500 people attended the event including County Board of Supervisors Chairman Greg Cox, Health and Human Services Agency Director Nick Macchione and Child Welfare Services Director Debra Zanders-Willis.

More than 30 vendors were on hand including several chefs who cooked up healthy meals and snack samples. 

One of those chefs was Sam Zien, also known as the “Sam the Cooking Guy.” Zien has 14 Emmy awards and has published three cook books. His message at the health fair was to follow your dreams and he stressed the importance of eating healthily. Some classic “Cooking Guy” programs can be found at http://countynewscenter.com/video/sam-the-cooking-guy.

The physical activity demonstrations included step aerobics, weight lifting and a wide variety of dancing. The cheer and step teams from San Pasqual Academy showcased their talents to encourage teens to participate in team sports and extracurricular activities. 

Southwestern College football coach Ed Carberry spoke about the athletic opportunities junior college has to offer as well as the importance of believing in yourself and not giving up because hard work will pay off.

Jason Gaines, a Southwestern football player, also spoke to the teens about his obstacles and challenges and the important role sports played in his current success.

PCC is the county’s 24-hour emergency shelter  for children who are placed in protective custody because of abuse or neglect. The facility is building programs and activities that focus on healthy nutrition, daily movement and exercise, and tobacco cessation.

Some of the actions PCC has already taken include menu  changes with a reduction of  sugar and an increase of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and healthier snack choices. 

The health fair was part of the County’s Live Well, San Diego! initiative to create a healthy, safe and a thriving community.