SOUTH TEXAS HEALTH SYSTEM CHILDREN’S HOSTS ITS ANNUAL EDDIE’S SAFARI RUN TO PROMOTE THE SIGNIFICANCE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AT AN EARLY AGE
With nearly 250 participants, the annual event – open to all ages with a 2K and 5K option – helped highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle as a family
While physical activity is beneficial for people of all ages, an active lifestyle is crucial for children.
From helping strengthen heart and lung health to improving academic performance to, exercise has numerous benefits for kids, like deterring chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity, helping maintain a healthy weight and teaching healthy habits that can last a lifetime.
Children 6 to 17 years old need 60 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous physical activity a day, per the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Unfortunately, less than 30% of children in that age group meet the amount of daily physical activity recommended by the U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, per the Physical Activity Alliance.
To promote the importance of physical activity and its long-term health benefits, as well as encourage the parents and children to take action to commit to a healthy lifestyle, South Texas Health System Children’s hosted its third annual Eddie’s Safari Run on Saturday, March 8.
With a record 250-plus registrants, this year’s safari run – named for the STHS Children’s mascot, Eddie – provided participants the opportunity to demonstrate their physical fitness by taking a walk (or run) on the wild side with a 2K race for children and their parents and a 5K race for older children and adults.
“Being physically active can make an enormous difference in a child’s overall growth and development. Aside from that, regular exercise for adults is also vital to health,” says Lance Ames, Chief Executive Officer, STHS Children’s and STHS Edinburg. “That’s why this annual, family-friendly event includes two race options to show that getting into shape and maintaining a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be done alone.”
Proceeds from this year’s safari run will benefit the South Texas Juvenile Diabetes Association, an organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of children living with diabetes through personal empowerment, family support, community awareness and public advocacy.
“STHS Children’s donation is a lifeline that fuels essential programs and services, from educational resources and supportive networks to life-changing summer camp experiences, which enable diabetic children and their families in the Rio Grande Valley to thrive,” says Debra Franco, Executive Director and Co-Founder, South Texas Juvenile Diabetes Association. “The facility’s generous contribution not only advances our mission of personal empowerment, family support and community advocacy, but it also ensures that every child facing diabetes receives the care and encouragement they need.”
The event also included a special community fair that featured the participation of dozens of local organizations and businesses, all highlighting the health and wellness resources and services available locally for children and parents.
By taking part in this year’s Eddie’s Safari Run, hundreds of Valley families took the steps to prioritize their health and that of their loved ones while helping STHS Children’s encourage others across the Rio Grande Valley to do the same.
“A simple walk around your block can do a world of good,” says Ames. “By spending more time outdoors, on the playground or participating in sports, children can reap the physical, mental and emotional benefits of physical activity.”
For more information on the comprehensive pediatric services provided at STHS Children’s, visit STHSChildrens.com.
About South Texas Health System
South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system's South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first and only freestanding children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart, and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, Pharr and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.
