B:UFF

    Bent: Under Fitness Focus (B:UFF) will officially launch on Sept. 3 at 5:30 p.m. at Las Animas Elementary School in conjunction with back to school night.
    Airnastics of Colorado Springs will bring an inflatable slide, obstacle course and bounce house to the event, said Tammy Westerman, community health coordinator at Bent County Nursing Service.
    B:UFF derives from a community holistic health initiative to encourage people to live an active, healthier lifestyle.
    While eventually the initiative will focus on the entire community, local efforts will begin start with the younger children. the intent is to instill healthy habits in them at very young age.
    She hopes to offer programs for local students on Fridays, when they are out of school. She physical activities, challenges and nutritional information will be provided as part of the programs.
    Westerman envisions such activities as competitions between Las Animas grade school students and their counterparts in neighboring schools. Fifth graders in two schools, for example, could have a sit-up contest.
    "We want to start with the kids and get them to develop healthy ha bits early," said Westerman, noting the obesity problem affecting the health of the nation's youth.
    The sponsor of the initiative is Livewell Colorado, which recently funded a community survey of the county population.
    "Bent County is currently in its planning year," Westerman said. The program could ultimately bring $250,000 into the community as the program is developed and advanced.
    Another aspect of the Livewell Colorado initiative is the community garden north of the nursing home on Second Street.