Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies

Let’s face it; the activity level of children is at an all time low. Obesity and type 2 diabetes are on the rise. Physical activity is on a downward spiral. As a result, many children are at risk for serious health conditions.

Community Health Network of Connecticut, Inc. (CHNCT) wants to do its part to change this. Therefore CHNCT has created its Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies initiative. This initiative strives to educate, unite and build healthier communities. This is done through an annual, daylong event. The event promotes physical activity, proper nutrition and the importance of having fun.

Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies is a sister program of CHNCT’s CHOICES initiative.

Each spring, CHNCT brings its Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies event to a well-deserving school. This year’s event was held on May 28 at Central High School in Bridgeport. And it was our most exciting yet!

Famed film, TV and action star Michael Jai White returned to his alma mater to inspire those living in his childhood community. During his visit, Michael reassured all he touched that good things do come out of Bridgeport.

Michael spread his message of hope to all of Central’s students and staff. Later in the day, he personally met with 50 students who had won the chance to meet him. They did so by winning either a mental or physical challenge the week prior. As winners, they were able to mingle with Michael. They were also given signed pictures of the star.

In addition to Michael’s visit, students were also treated to a surprise appearance by MTV’s Status Quo. Status Quo was the runner up from MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew, Season One.

Since leaving Bridgeport, Michael has been featured in dozens of films and TV series. His credits include The Dark Knight, Why Did I Get Married?, Tyson, “The Legend of Bruce Lee” and “Wonderland.”