Fit Houston Fest at Blackshear Elementary Hits the Mark

The Texas Heart Institute joined Fit Houston for Fit Families at Blackshear Elementary on April 29th. Blackshear Elementary students, parents, and community members participated in fitness activities, learned the basics of healthy nutrition, and received health education from participating vendors.

Harris County Precinct One provided a bike rodeo where students learned about bike safety and rode bikes. The University of Houston cheerleaders taught the Blackshear Elementary Cheer Team cheer routines. The Houston Texans YMCA offered a body pump class with light weights in the cafeteria.

Peaceful Planet Foundation co-founder Munish Chawla, MD, gave an inspiring presentation on healthy eating and answered thoughtful questions during the event. Dr. Chawla discussed the current state of nutrition in the U.S. population, food categories to eat more — and less of, and suggested simple recipe swaps when beginning to change eating habits.

During the Q&A session, Dr. Chawla answered questions about the misconception of eliminating all carbohydrates, the impact of food access on healthy eating, and ways the guests could achieve the American College of Lifestyle Medicine’s six pillars.

Throughout the event, Fit Houston, in partnership with The Common Market, encouraged healthy eating by providing a fruit stand with bananas, oranges, and apples as refreshments for the guests.

Fleet Feet Houston graciously donated shoes for a raffle.

Additionally, representatives from The Texas Heart Institute, Peaceful Planet Foundation, and Genentech were available in the cafeteria to provide health and wellness education to attendees. Guests received information on cardiovascular disease, exercise, nutrition, mindfulness, chronic diseases, and reducing risk factors for chronic diseases.

Following a morning of fitness activities and health education, Fit Families at Blackshear Elementary closed with performances by the Blackshear Elementary Cheer Team, the University of Houston cheerleaders, and an encouraging talk from Forever Tri founder Fernando Lopez.