Teens Learn That "You Are What You Eat, Dude!"
90-year old nutrition advocate donates hundreds of books to Southwest Middle students
Max Sturman wants to know what you had for lunch today. He also wants to know if you realize what's in the food you had for lunch. In his book "You Are What you Eat, Dude!" Sturman hopes to educate teens and young adults about the foods that we eat and the decline of nutrition in the US.
Sturman donated 750 copies of his book to students at Southwest Middle School in an effort to reach out to students and get them on the right path of health and nutrition. The donation happened after meeting school nurse, Lynne Lamanna at a health fair and hearing about the efforts that the school has made in combating obesity and in educating parents about proper nutrition.
Sturman Kids: Nutrition Advocate Max Sturman shows students an excerpt from his book, "You Are What You Eat, Dude!"
At 90 years old, Sturman leads an active life of writing, researching and attending the gym daily. Through his foundation, the Do It Naturally Foundation, he has dedicated the past seven years of his life to bringing his message of healthy eating and exercise to anyone that is willing to listen.
"Obesity is an epidemic," said Sturman. "I'm very excited about having the kids read my book and hopefully make a change in their lifestyles."
The books will be distributed to students through a variety of methods including one-on-one interactions with the school nurse as well as parent workshops scheduled for January.
Sturman Group: Southwest Middle School students with nutrition advocate Max Sturman
"This is good information we want to get out to kids," said Southwest Middle Principal Steve Lizarraga. "We hope that this information will also get into parents hands."
Board President Jim Cartmill expressed his gratitude to Sturman as well as his hope that this program will serve as a model for other schools.
"Change in student behavior is a community effort," said Cartmill. "Mr. Sturman has made a great impact on these kids today and we hope that the entire community will join us in improving student health."