Summer camp aims to help kids at risk for Type 2 diabetes

Camp Power Up becomes life-changing opportunity for many kids

SAN ANTONIO – For one week, 50 kids are being taught how to live a healthier life.

Analisa Torres enrolled in Camp Power Up a year ago. Since then, she has lost weight and decreased her chances of getting Type 2 diabetes.

"I dropped a lot of weight from the last time," Torres said. "I'm an athlete, and it's helped me with my speed and be stronger."

In the U.S., 9 percent of kids have diabetes, but in Bexar County, that number is up to almost 14 percent, according to the American Diabetes Association. In inner city schools in San Antonio, 40 percent of elementary students are overweight or obese.

"Here, the kiddos are going on field trips. They are actively making their own meals," Camp Power Up medical director Maria Rayas said.

The camp is also getting the entire family involved. Last year, families were checked on months after the camp ended.

"They took our recommendations and went long term in how they were going to incorporate activity into their daily lives and how to improve their nutrition," Rayas said.

As for Torres, she is becoming a mentor to show other kids that a positive lifestyle change can be made.


About the Author:

Erica Hernandez is an Emmy award-winning journalist with 15 years of experience in the broadcast news business. Erica has covered a wide array of stories all over Central and South Texas. She's currently the court reporter and cohost of the podcast Texas Crime Stories.