May 12, 2005
Summertime in Valerie Gustin’s childhood was a fastpaced time of play, newspaper routes, softball practice — and fast food on the go.
"We didn’t sit down much. We were a family of lots of activities. Family meals kind of went out the window," she said. "It sets you up for bad patterns."
Her lifestyle didn’t change to include home-cooked meals and a positive selfimage until a few years ago, when she turned 24.
Now an admissions coordinator for Chandler’s Remuda Ranch, which counsels young girls suffering from eating disorders, she hopes to be a mentor for young girls and boys.
The nationally known company is starting a summer enrichment program targeting girls and boys 8 to 13 years old who are overweight or at risk of suffering from an eating disorder. The program focuses on a positive selfimage and looking for the root of a child’s stress.
Cost for the two-week sessions is $875.
Remuda’s sessions are June 6-17, June 20 to July 1, July 11-22, and July 25 to Aug. 5.
Kila O’Neill, owner of My Gym Children’s Fitness Center in Ahwatukee Foothills, offers noncompetitive gymnastics classes that focus on healthy lifestyles and a positive image.
Visit www.remudaranch.com or www.my-gym.com for information on programs.
