UAB's New Nutrition Program for Birmingham Student-Athletes

In Birmingham, Alabama, a new nutrition program aimed at enhancing the well-being and performance of student-athletes has been launched through a collaboration between the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and Bama Wellness Advocacy.

This initiative, led by James Jones, head athletic trainer at the UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, and Jacquie Fazekas, board president of Bama Wellness Advocacy, targets athletes in Birmingham City Schools, emphasizing the importance of proper nutrition and self-wellness practices like adequate sleep.

The 12-week program, bolstered by funding from UAB’s Give as One campaign, includes weekly educational sessions, interactive food demonstrations, and the distribution of nutritious food items to enhance students' dietary habits.

"Being in this position for the last 24 years, I have observed the necessity to help with nutrition education to assist not only athletic but academic performance as well."

The initiative first targeted basketball teams at Huffman High and Ramsay High schools, with plans to expand due to the positive response it has received from students, families, and coaches.

The comprehensive approach aims to instill lifelong healthy habits. Fazekas explained:

"Nutrition, rest, recovery, and the words you speak to yourself — the way you feed yourself matters, and we tried to teach the students that."

As the program evolves, the goal is to extend its reach to other sports and potentially the entire school system, supporting student-athletes across Birmingham in leading healthier, more balanced lives.

This initiative showcases the power of community collaboration and philanthropic support in fostering significant improvements in the lives of young athletes. As the program looks to expand, it continues to draw on the strong support of UAB's Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports and Exercise Medicine.

Read more about how this pioneering nutrition program is making a difference in the lives of Birmingham’s student-athletes and paving the way for broader educational health initiatives.