Coppin State University has joined the call to promote better health and fight childhood obesity.
The university has opened its new Health and Human Performance Wellness Center. The 246,000-square-foot center has an aquatic and recreational club sports component. It will offer classes in aerobics, cycling, nutrition, raquetball, strength training, swimming and yoga.
In conjunction with the opening of the wellness center, Coppin has also partnered with Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital to create The Healthy Living Academy. Clinicians and staff from the university and pediataric hospital will develop a curriculum on topics such as nutrition, exercise and making healthy lifestyle choices.
Beginning in 2011, the curriculum will be used to in an after-school program for students at Coppin Academy High School, St. Frances Academy High School and Rosemont Elementary and Middle Schools.
The goal is to teach students healthy habits and help curb childhood obesity in the city. The acadmey is being funded by a grant from the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States.