Sequoia Hospital Partners with Redwood City Schools for 16th Annual Make Time for Fitness Event

Today, 9-year-old Kristin Carelius learned about the dangers of vaping, how many teaspoons of sugar are in one can of soda, and that yoga is good for both the body and mind.   

“I like to run and exercise,” Kristin said. “It means a lot to be healthy. If you’re not healthy, you’re not going to do as well in life.”  

Kristin, a student at Roosevelt Elementary School, joined the more than 1,000 other Redwood City School District fourth graders attending the 16^th annual Make Time for Fitness field trip at Red Morton

Park in Redwood City. A partnership between Dignity Health Sequoia Hospital, the Redwood City School District Wellness Committee, and several other community organizations, the event educates children about practicing a healthy lifestyle that emphasizes regular exercise and a nutritious diet. 

The interactive program featured five activity stations:

• Drink Water First, teaching students to drink water rather than sweet beverages when they are thirsty. 
• Friendship Fitness, with games focused on teamwork and cooperation. 
• Fit Fun Yoga, demonstrating that movement and breathing is good for health and well-being. 
• Farmers Market, with information on fruits and vegetables available locally. 
• Tobacco-Free Me, highlighting some of the 4,000 chemicals found in tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. 

More than 300 teachers, parents, and representatives from community-based organizations volunteered at the event. 

“Our goal is to create in these children an awareness of exactly what they are putting into their bodies – whether fast food, sugary drinks, or addictive substances,” said Marie Violet, director of health and wellness at Sequoia Hospital. “This event is truly a community effort. Together, we are helping to equip our students with information and tools they can use to create lifelong healthy habits.” 

Make Time for Fitness at Red Morton Park is a collaboration between Sequoia Hospital and community organizations: Redwood City School District; Sequoia Healthcare District; San Mateo Health System; San Mateo County Tobacco Education Coalition; Sodexo Education; City of Redwood City Parks, Recreation, and Community Services; University of California Cooperative Extension; Carlmont High; Sequoia High School; Woodside High School; Safe Routes to School California; Redwood City 2020; and the Redwood City School District Wellness Committee. 

About Sequoia Hospital

Dignity Health Sequoia Hospital is an accredited, not-for-profit community hospital providing innovative and exceptional health care for generations of Bay Area residents. Sequoia’s Heart and Vascular Institute is a nationally known pioneer in advanced cardiac care, affiliated with the Cleveland Clinic Heart and Vascular Institute. Sequoia has received national recognition as one of America’s top 100 hospitals for cardiac care, as well as for superior patient safety from Healthgrades. Our Birth Center is consistently ranked as a favorite among Peninsula families, and we’re also known for our Center for Total Joint Replacement and comprehensive emergency care. Our new state-of-the-art Pavilion combines the most advanced medical and surgical services with a unique healing environment, including private, spacious rooms and inviting garden areas.