Republic FC, UC Davis Health team up to promote healthy habits among children

(FOX40.COM) — Sacramento Republic FC & UC Davis Health joined forces Thursday for a day of fun and games aimed at tackling a serious issue among children and teens in the Sacramento region. 

The rates of obesity in children and teens in the area are above California’s statewide average.

Be Healthy Sacramento reports that 17% of children aged 2-11 and 43% of teens aged 12-19 are overweight or obese. 

With that in mind, Republic FC teamed up with the healthcare provider for Strive for 45, a program to promote healthy, sustainable habits through weekly clinics at schools throughout the Sacramento area. 

“This is a great opportunity for us UC Davis and Sacramento Republic FC to partner together to increase children’s awareness of healthy lifestyles. Strive for 45, which is the program that encourages kids to be active for 45 minutes in active play, and we’re coupling that with UC Davis’ push for a healthy lifestyle,” says UC Davis Health Interim Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joseph Galante.  

Thursday’s clinic took place at Woodlake Elementary School in Sacramento and coincided with the announcement of a record-setting extended partnership between Republic FC and UC Davis Health. 

Republic FC left wingback Damia Viader joined the kids on the impromptu pitch for the day. 

“It’s great, the kids are loving it! Some of them recognize me, which is great. They have seen me play on the field and we’re just having fun,” Viader said. 

Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant was also on hand to make sure all the kids who participated walked away with pedometers. 

“Healthy kids are going to turn into healthy adults, and for us, that’s really important,” Dunivant said.