 |
Novenda has worked in the health and fitness industry
for over 15 years as a certified aerobic instructor, personal trainer
and sports nutritionist. She received her BA degree in Art and
Letters from Portland State University with a concentration of
her course work in public health education. In the mid 90’s, she worked on innovative health and fitness projectswith Bruce Jenner (Team Jenner) and Kathy Smith (Air Bench). In April of 2003 she was asked to be a presenter for the largest Women’s Health Conference held annually by Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU). During her many years in health and fitness, Novenda realized her passion for working with young children and adolescents. Having dealt with weight issues as a young child herself, she empathizes with the many issues overweight children and adolescents are confronted with today. She is thankful to have had a mother who stressed the importance of physical activity and healthier eating habits at a very early stage in her life. Healthy Kidz & Teenz was established when she realized the low number of health and fitness programs and events that were offered to children and adolescents. Novenda was amazed to learn that many schools only offer one or two physical education classes a week. To make matter worse, physical education is usually the first program to be eliminated when it comes time for budget cuts. Novenda’s vision is to help create health and fitness related programs and events that will benefit young children and adolescents internationally. This vision is possible with help from parents, educators, community leaders, private organizations and government agencies. She believes that we must do something now to help prevent the many health issues associated with obesity and eating disorders. If nothing is done, we will have a generation of chronically ill adults. These are the adults that will one day be our leaders.
|
