Health Education and L.E.A.P.S.

As an instigator of youth athleticism and leadership, L.E.A.P.S. recognizes that a successful lacrosse program must be supported by clear and focused health messages. We realize that lacrosse is the fundamental core of L.E.A.P.S., but also understand that a holistic attention to health can have profound effects on L.E.A.P.S. participants.  LEAPS will focus primarily on sports-related topics including: hydration, fueling the body with healthy food choices, and water v. sports drinks.  L.E.A.P.S aims to teach participants that with the right nutritional intake, they can output a better game and a better life… a life in “energy balance.”

The LEAPS approach to nutrition and health education is incremental and audience-appropriate; it is planned in phases with the capacity to grow with the program itself.   In phase 1, our complete nutrition and health education program will be geared towards our L.E.A.P.S program participants.  This will involve weekly health lessons and outreach activities as described below. Participants involved in L.E.A.P.S training and teams will also be exposed to nutrition education, but in a limited capacity, predominately in health sound bites and messaging from coaches trained by our staff nutritionist.  In phase 2 and beyond, L.E.A.P.S aims to integrate our complete nutrition and education program into all of our focus areas.  To achieve our expansion, our aim is to develop strategic partnerships with university-based dietetic programs to help grow our volunteer base.

All of our health lessons and messaging are designed from a behavior change theory model involving problem solving, personal goal setting, tracking and rewards to promote long lasting behavior change in our young participants.  Sample nutrition and health related activities include 20-minute health lessons with take home activities; healthy snack demos and preparation techniques; and simple and fun health challenges where participants will be asked to self-monitor their nutritional habits, challenging themselves to drink more water or eat less junk food.  Our messages and activities are simple and motivational, encouraging youth to be accountable for their own health choices. 

During phase 2 and beyond, ideas for expanded nutrition activities include field trips to urban gardens and grocery stores, family or parent visits with nutritionists, opportunities for teams to participate in education sessions with a registered dietitian, cooking classes, and a L.E.A.P.S family healthy recipe book.