History of Health Masters Club

Health Masters Club was founded in 2003 by Dr. Toni Moody, a general pediatrician with strong roots in the community. The increasing number of children with obesity and nutrition issues spurred her to formalize her efforts by forming Health Masters Club. The organization received a grant from a local hospital grants board, allowing HMC to begin its first formal program. In partnership with a variety of community partners, Dr. Moody and her team provided health and nutrition education to more than 500 children. It became clear that HMC filled a void in children’s lives and could make a true difference to program participants. Many local partners quickly chimed in, agreeing that children’s health was of the utmost importance.

Where else can kids have fun, get healthy, learn, and become empowered and self confident?

Our 3rd Annual Health Masters Camp hosted twice as many kids as last summer. One word that captures the feel of camp this year is "Movement." Truly it represents our wellness movement. The camp, held at the USA Triathlon National Training Center in Clermont, welcomed back both of last year’s Health Coaches to lead the campers through an exciting and healthful program. NTC staff (exercise physiologists, middle school PE teacher, and camp director) assisted in designing the fitness curriculum and program. Campers met at the John Bridges Community Center in Apopka and were transported by buses provided by Orange County Community Action to NTC. Dr. Moody and her team of health coaches participated in all activities in keeping with the motto, "be healthy and teach a child to be healthy."

Every morning the campers were led through a dynamic warm-up followed by team building activities like "Health Masters World Cup,” “Grand Prix,” and “Scavenger Hunt."

Throughout the week, health coaches took advantage of every teachable moment for wellness promotion. For example, when the kids fixed their salads for lunch, they were asked how they might add protein (answer- add sunflower seeds), fruit (raisins), or dairy (cheese). Lunches were filled with whole grain breads and snack bars, tons of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meat like turkey and chicken, healthy snacks like pretzels and reduced fat peanut butter, and tons of water (supplemented by the occasional sports drink or 100% juice).

After enjoying a healthy lunch, the campers participated in their educational curricula - nutrition education, the Food Groups/Food Guidance System, reading nutrition labels, smart snacking ideas, demonstrations, and taste tests led by a dietitian.

Fitness education components addressed issues such as: What is considered physical activity? How much is needed everyday? What are the benefits of physical activity? Campers received a handout of “Funtastic Exercises for Home.”

Campers also enjoyed learning about wellness, including hearing about the “health triangle,” exploring their own mind/body/soul feelings, the importance of getting along with and respecting each other, and the importance of every camper's contribution to the success of camp and beyond.

Speakers, such as Gloria Esteban from Junior Achievement, spoke with the kids about the importance of developing their leadership skills and self confidence. After the education components, campers worked in groups to perform skits about the information presented as a way to emphasize and ingrain what they’d learned.

Afternoons were filled with a variety of activity - yoga (with lavender oil and music), spinning, aerobics, light weights, dancercize, and of course - swimming every day!

HMC firmly believes that parental and family involvement is so important in a child’s health. The work and education done at camp can easily be undone if parents don’t have the tools they need to adopt a healthy lifestyle at home. Parents received a copy of MyPyramid for the refrigerator, a camp manual, a food label instruction guide, walking tips, a healthy lifestyle test for their child, a Kids' Cookbook, and a parenting book- all before camp even began! Dr. Moody held one-on-one parent meetings with each camper’s family for orientation and Q&A.

We received a lot of community support to make camp possible. Here are just a few of our “thank yous:”

A local church from Lake County, Faithful and True Outreach Ministry, sponsored several kids with their generous contribution.

A Special Thanks goes out to our Junior Health Coaches (a Middle School and High School Volunteer) for their dedication and also to Tamara Sims-Dorway for her interactive session on ways to make healthy eating a part of any lifestyle.

Today, HMC partnered with MicheLee Puppets at Wheatley Elementary School to present the Xtreme Health Challenge, part of HMC’s Team Nutrition Initiative. For 5-A-Day Month (September), HMC will host shows at Wolf Lake Elementary, Apopka, Lakemont, and Lake Silver Elementary Schools this month.

Amscot Financial Supports Mayor Buddy Dyer’s 2^ndAnnual City Kidz Event and the Health Masters Club in Orlando, Florida

Amscot Financial invited all to come out and have fun “the Amscot way” at its open house on Saturday, March 11, 2006 from 12 to 2 pm at 4240 S. Semoran Blvd. in Orlando. Amscot Financial presented a $1,000 contribution to Health Masters Club, Inc. and to Mayor Buddy Dyer’s 2^ndAnnual City Kidz Event in Orlando.

Health Masters Club, Inc. was founded in 2003 by Dr. Toni Moody, a pediatrician from Orlando who witnesses daily the devastating effects of obesity in children and the ongoing health issues that result. The Club’s overall mission is to improve the well-being of children and their families with a focus on preventing childhood obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Their motto, “be healthy and teach a child to be healthy,” summarizes their philosophy of wellness as a holistic approach between the mind, body, and soul. The 3^rdAnnual Health Masters Camp for children at risk is currently being planned for this summer. Amscot Financial’s donation will contribute to the success of the camp.

Reprinted with Amscot's permission

From left to right:

Florida State Representative Bruce Antone;

Deveron Gibbons – VP of Public Affairs, Amscot Financial

Yahaira Tirado – Branch Leader, Amscot Financial

Dr. Toni Moody – Founder of Health Masters Club, Inc.

Bill Worling – Senior District Leader, Amscot Financial

In partnership with the East Central Dietetic Association of Florida, HMC raised $6,265 at the Association’s annual gala and silent auction. This much needed financial boost will help fund this year’s camp. Thank you to all who helped and to those who came out and supported this most important effort!