SNAC Spotlight: Estelle Jensen

Purdue Nutrition Education Program Advisor

For the past seven years, NEP Advisor Estelle Jensen has introduced the children of Hammond, Gary, and East Chicago to the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Her approach is simple: lots of produce, exercise, and water – with a few special treats sprinkled along the way. As a result, children respond to her gentle, no-nonsense approach by enthusiastically welcoming her return to their classrooms year after year.

What areas/counties do you work? Lake County.

What age group do you most often work with? I work with 3^rd to 8^th graders.

What is your favorite part about being a NEPA? My favorite part about being a NEPA is the connections I make with the students, teachers, and the community. I also enjoy the interesting and sometimes awkward questions and comments I receive from the participants.

Do you have a success story you would like to share? I have the opportunity to teach the 3rd grade classes at Lincoln

Elementary in Hammond. I have been visiting this school since 2017 so I’m proud to share that I have a great relationship with the staff and students at this particular school.

Our lesson topics include physical activity and heart health. The students learn what the function of the heart is, how to take their pulse, and how many beats per minute is normal when at rest. The class also participate in a group exercise game where the students were the fitness instructors.  They come to the front of the classroom, read the exercise card, and lead the group to perform that exercise until everyone has had a chance to head the group. If I run out of exercise cards, the student can pick their favorite exercise. I enjoy this first lesson because it helps the students make the connection of how exercise helps their entire body stay health. They figure out how they can incorporate exercise on a daily basis and to include their family and friends.

What are some of your personal interests?

My personal interests are my self-care days, weight training, church, social events, and traveling.