'The Beast' brings healthy habits to local schools
Something interesting happened to elementary school teacher Natalia Ricigliano when she was formally introduced to “The Beast.” Something she didn’t expect. The giant, furry blue creature kind of shook her. Not in a scary way, but definitely in a way.
The star mascot of Montage Health’s The Beast campaign against type 2 diabetes — an animated, somewhat humorous nudge toward healthy lifestyle changes — gave Ricigliano and her third graders pause.
“They loved the monster,” says Ricigliano, who last year added the diabetes education to her curriculum at University Park Elementary in Salinas. “They found him hilarious. He looks like Cookie Monster.”
But . . .
“We learned that TV time should be 2 hours or less,” Ricigliano says. “And I thought, ‘Oh, I spend 4 or 5 hours on TV every night.’ And we learned about the sugary treats they drink every day and how a plate should have vegetables and fruits. We all had this realization of, ‘Oh, I guess we are pretty off on some of our lifestyle choices.’”
Putting diabetes prevention into practice
Her students’ reactions were rapid and their turnaround impressive. The third graders (and their teacher) learned about the “5210” American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines:
And they began making changes.
There was a bike day. They used their “brain breaks” (the time Ricigliano gave them to decompress) to complete Beast-related activities and color in their Beast books. Then they spread the word.
Ricigliano put the presentation on the classroom’s Google Drive and challenged her students to show it to their parents.
“I think 90 percent showed it to their parents, and some families started setting goals,” she says. “It has been a really effective experience for the kids and their families.”
And an important one, given that about 45 percent of Monterey County residents have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. A U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report released in May noted that, without intervention, the incidence of type 2 diabetes among kids and teens could increase by 700 percent by 2060.
Healthy habits start early
“We know that habits formed during childhood carry into adulthood,” says Liz Lorenzi, chief operating officer of Aspire Health’s Population Health division, “which is why teaching kids about healthy behaviors that help prevent type 2 diabetes can empower them to make informed choices about their future.”
In the 2024–2025 school year across Monterey County, The Beast curriculum reached:
- 11 school districts
- 33 schools
- 111 teachers
- More than 2,500 students
“The curriculum is ready to go for easy implementation,” says Mia McKernan, a community health program manager at Montage Health. “There are lesson plans tailored to each grade that include an overview of type 2 diabetes, its risks, and information about what kids can do every day to create healthier lifestyles.”
Drew Coleman, principal of Ione Olson Elementary in Marina, is also a fan of the education.
“The Beast curriculum aligns with our purpose, values, and beliefs,” Coleman says. “It has a positive impact on the students, their families, and ultimately the broader community. We want our students to take care of themselves and those around them.”
Learn your diabetes risk
Try this diabetes-friendly recipe: Avocado and garbanzo bean sandwich
This easy, no-cook sandwich recipe is great for kids and families working toward healthier eating habits.
Prep time: 10 minutes- Servings: 2
Ingredients
- 1 15-ounce can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 ripe avocado, cubed
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices whole-wheat bread, toasted
Directions
- In a medium bowl, mash the garbanzo beans and avocado together using a fork or potato masher until well-combined but slightly chunky.
- Add lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Toast the bread slices to your preference.
- Spread the mixture over two slices of toasted bread.
- Add fresh vegetables like sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded carrots, or leafy greens for extra crunch and flavor.
- Top with the remaining slices of bread, cut in half, and enjoy.
A delicious and nutritious recipe for the whole family
Invite children to help mash ingredients and build their sandwiches for a fun and interactive way to teach healthy eating.
Whole-wheat bread, avocados, and garbanzo beans are good sources of fiber, while avocado adds healthy fats to the dish. Pile on your favorite vegetables to meet the goal of five servings of fruits and vegetables per day.
Recipe by Blue Zones Project
Blue Zones Project is a community-wide well-being improvement initiative designed to make the healthy choice the easy choice.
Learn more about Blue Zones Project.
