Students at a Riverdale high school spent the day today learning how to get in shape, eat healthier foods and have fun in the process.
The National Mentoring Program, which held the Health Corp. Fair at the Riverdale Kingsbridge Academy, was started nine years ago by TV host Dr. Oz. Three other Bronx schools are also taking part in the health initiative.
"We're just trying to make well-rounded, healthier students," says Austin Cromartie, of Health Corp.
He says one way to accomplish this is by exposing kids to new experiences, like miracle fruit. In addition to sampling healthy snacks, the students enjoyed hip-hop dancing, cooking gluten-free food and doing Army-style exercises.
Organizers say promoting healthy lifestyles is especially important in The Bronx, which has the highest rate of childhood obesity in New York City, according to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.