Covidien, Red Sox Foundation team up for "Double Play: Health & Fitness"
Workshop for Kids Includes On-Field Workouts with Red Sox Players and Team Trainer, Tips from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center’s Physical Therapist, and Healthy Meal Preparation by Aramark
BOSTON, MA – For the second time this season, Covidien, The Red Sox Foundation, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center will once again team up for the “Double Play: Health & Fitness,” a wellness workshop to be held at Fenway Park on Friday, August 24. Children, ranging in age from 8 to 14, from YMCA programs in Massachusetts and Rhode Island and Covidien will learn the benefits of exercise and healthy eating. The program was launched recently in an effort to help combat childhood obesity and encourage healthy choices among children.
“We're proud to once again collaborate with the Red Sox Foundation, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Aramark in helping to educate children and families on the importance of being active and eating healthy,” said Teresa Hacunda, Vice President, Civic Affairs, Covidien. “By demonstrating that exercising and making good food choices can be fun, we'll make a positive impact on the health and well-being of our communities. This initiative reinforces programs supported by Covidien at the Y, including Fit Kids, Healthy Futures and JOIN for ME.”
Red Sox Strength and Conditioning Consultant Mike Boyle, along with a few current Red Sox players, will lead the kids in an on-field exercise program similar to the conditioning the players do before a game. Jennifer Cudzil, a physical therapist from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, the official hospital of the Boston Red Sox and a partner in the workshop, will educate the kids about the importance of exercise and calories.
“Teens on average spend five hours per day in front of some sort of computer device,” said Cudzil. “If we can encourage them to spend just one of those hours on their feet, moving, doing some sort of activity, that would be a real ‘win’ for their overall health.”
Aramark, the concessionaire at Fenway Park, will instruct the children on how to make healthy snacks and meals at interactive food preparation stations. After lunch, Aramark also will provide the kids with healthy recipes to make at home.
“Our first event at Fenway Park was such a huge success we are delighted to once again work with our lead sponsor Covidien, and to have Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center’s expertise as we continue to tackle the national epidemic of childhood obesity,” said Red Sox Executive Vice President and Red Sox Foundation Director Meg Vaillancourt. “As the summer months draw to a close, we want to help educate and instill healthy eating and exercise habits in kids as they prepare for the upcoming new school year.”
Friday’s “Double Play: Health & Fitness” workshop is sponsored by Covidien, a leading global provider of healthcare products, a key donor to the Red Sox Foundation, and a team sponsor whose name is emblazoned on Fenway Park’s Green Monster in recognition of their support for the award-winning official team charity.