Woodbridge Students Among Those In Health Bee

Students from Woodbridge were among those who participated in the third annual UnitedHealthcare Health Bee, a Jeopardy-style quiz competition.

The seventh-graders from Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge and South Amboy competed Thursday in the game that is “designed to get students excited about health, fitness, science and nutrition,’’ according to a news release about the program.

Students from Herbert Hoover Middle School in Edison won first place. Their school will get a $1,000 prize from UnitedHealthcare to support programs that combat childhood obesity.

“Studies have shown that seventh grade is a critical time in pre-teens’ development when they start to form attitudes about health, nutrition and self-esteem that will last them into adulthood,” Michael McGuire, chief executive officer, UnitedHealthcare of New Jersey said in a prepared statement. “By incorporating the UnitedHealthcare Health Bee into the YMCA’s 7th Grade Initiative, we are able to teach students about health, nutrition and physical fitness in a way that’s fun and engaging. No matter which team wins the competition, every student who participates in the program walks away with knowledge that will help put them on a path to a healthy future.”

Students from Edgar Middle School in Metuchen, South Amboy Middle School, Iselin Middle School and Fords Middle School participated in the program, which is part of the Metuchen Edison Woodbridge South Amboy YMCA 7th Grade Initiative.

Through the program, the students get a free YMCA membership allowing them access to the pool, gym and fitness equipment.

“Throughout the year, students gather together to learn about fitness, nutrition, positive body image and self esteem,’’ the news release said.

Photo courtesy UnitedHealthcare Health Bee; Herbert Hoover Middle School students compete in health bee.