Florida Gulf Coast University now has the only health education center in the state of Florida for kids. The Kleist Health Education Center offers a series of programs aimed at getting children and adults to make healthier choices. The new facility on campus replaces the old one at Health Park in South Lee County. Three teaching theaters with high-tech exhibits – like a see-through human body – are used to get students thinking about health. Executive Director of the Center – Kathy Kleist – says if kids aren’t taught early enough – they’re more likely to make poor choices as adults…

“But if I get them young enough when we can talk about this…I mean, who are you really going to trust? And do you know where it’s really been…and they understand these things and make really good choices. And they can stand firm in their belief because they’ve heard this long enough and they want to look good and they want to feel good, they want to stay fit…and it’s exciting and fun.”

Classes from local schools have already visited the new Kleist Health Education Center. Adults can also visit the center if they call ahead for reservations.