Young hoop stars share thoughts on staying fit and healthy

by Brian Yalung

Health and staying fit is important in everyday life, something that should be looked upon even at an early age. And while many folks would probably know a thing or two, actually practicing it is another.

As far as kids are concerned, health and fitness are all about eating the right food and doing the right exercise. The latter normally entails earning a sweat and there is perhaps no better sport that any Filipino would try to take up than basketball.

Six 12-year-old kids recently took time out to share their thoughts on what health and fitness are all about and most gave their own understanding on the topic. Most shared how eating the right food and exercising when time permits are essential to living a healthy lifestyle.

“For me, I think you need to eat healthy food and not junk food. Because that will make you stronger. And I think you need to do strength and conditioning to make your muscles stronger and drink milk to make your bones strong,” said Rocco Melicor, a 12-year-old from UPIS.

“For me it about eating healthy food. After games, I do extra shooting or do some jogging, “said Jaime Gomez De Liano, the 12-year-old and youngest of the Gomez De Liano clan.

“Health is like staying away from sickness and eating healthy food like vegetables. To stay fit, I do exercises like jogging, running and stretching, said Daryl Valdevilla, 12, from UPIS.

“It is about eating food that can do good for your body. To stay fit, I do my own workouts at home after practice like push-ups,” said LeBron Manding, a 12-year-old guard from San Benildo.

“Health is getting the right sleep and eating the right food,” said Gian Gomez, a 12-year-old who plays guard for LSGH.

“Maintaining a good diet and knowing what is best for your body. To stay fit, I always exercise when I have spare time, ” said Chadwick Timbol, a 12-year-old center who plays for La Salle Zobel.