Elgin Boys and Girls Club focusing on fitness

The Elgin Boys and Girls Club has launched a new initiative this week designed to fight obesity among Latinos, who make up about half of the club's patrons.

The national "Salsa, Sabor y Salud" program is culturally based, incorporating Latino traditions such as gathering for family meals and involving the extended family in everyday activities.

The program includes eight 1ˆ¨-hour sessions featuring lessons on healthy food choices and increased physical activities.

Families play games, sing songs and dance during the sessions, which sometimes include several members of the extended family.

The families learn how to make healthier versions of traditional Latino cuisine, and sometimes finish sessions with a sit-down meal.

Sabor, which means taste in Spanish, is included in the name of the program to emphasize that Latinos do not need to sacrifice their favorite foods in order to achieve better health.

The goal is for children and parents to make healthy changes together.

The program targets families with children younger than 12.

Nearly 40 percent of Mexican-American children between the ages of six and 11 are overweight. Nearly 24 percent are considered obese.

Community groups across the country have offered the Salsa, Sabor y Salud program.

Local groups offering the program include the Elgin YMCA and the Carpentersville Boys and Girls Club, in addition to the Elgin Boys and Girls Club.

The program was designed by the National Latino Children's institute in collaboration with Kraft Foods.