Healthy choices shown to Hughes Springs kids

Drink water—not soda. Choose fruit—not candy. These are among the messages delivered by the Cass County 4-H representatives at Hughes Springs Area Library July 21. “Heroes for Health” is a national campaign spearheaded by 4-H clubs all over the country. 4-H is a global network of over 90,000 youth organizations with some 6.5 million members aged 5 to 21. The goal of 4-H is to develop leadership, responsibility and life skills. Although typically thought of as an agriculturally- oriented organization, today’s 4-H focuses on citizenship, healthy living, science, engineering and technology programs. Nationally, over a half-million volunteers play an essential role in the delivery of 4-H programs just like the one presented at Hughes Springs Area Library last Thursday.

4-H volunteers Melissa Stanford and Allie Stanford from Linden, and Judy Brewster from Hughes Springs,’ assisted 4-H Extension Agent John Ferguson in putting on the show. After introductions, the kids went outside to see a demonstration of how fuel propels a jet in much the same way that our bodies are driven by the proper “fuels.” Inside, kids learned just how much sugar is in each of their favorite beverages, and why water is always the better choice. Included in the program was information about building a “healthy kids plate” by making sure every meal contains selections of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and dairy.

Hughes Springs Area Library wraps up its summer program on July 28 with a visit from the Hughes Springs Volunteer Fire Department at 10:30 a.m. The library has warned readers to come “prepared to get wet,” so a good time is in store for everyone.