Cub Scout Walked His Family to Health: Whiz Kid

Adrian Swiech wondered why his grandfather had to check samples of his blood.

The eight-year old Bear Cub Scout learned diabetes was the reason. Swiech’s mother Beatriz explained that people could develop diabetes by becoming overweight and not exercising.

“We explained to Adrian that he didn’t make good choices,” Beatriz said. “So when the cub master announced the pedometer activity, Adrian said he’d do it. Not just for him but also for his grandfather.”

Adrian, as a member of Orland Park Cub Scout Pack 383, jumped at the chance to participate in the pack’s pedometer program in March 2010 and immediately started tracking his every step. Adrian took a pedometer provided by the pack with him during everyday tasks like going to school, but also while exercising, such as going on hikes with his grandfather and other family members, Beatriz said.

“It was an inspiration for both of them, and it helped to bring down (his grandfather’s) blood sugar levels,” she said. “That’s where the real motivation came from. There was a prize for the scouts, but they didn’t tell them what it was until it was all over.”

Pack 383 Cubmaster Gerry Klotz said in a release that staying physically fit and being outside are two key components for Cub Scouts, and the pedometer program was to encourage such activities.

“When Gerry, our cubmaster, introduced the program, Adrian was one of the first to register on line and was very disciplined with logging in each of his steps from the pedometers that the scouts received,” Assistant Cubmaster Jim Rybarczyk, Adrian’s den leader, said in a release.

But Adrian’s enthusiasm didn’t stay confined to the scout program. Soon other family members were taking healthier steps and getting more active, following his example. And his efforts continued after he completed the program on August 10, 2010, after logging 2,128,410 steps – the most steps taken by participants in the program.

“He’s inspired me too, I was a little bit overweight too and I started exercising more with him,” Beatriz said. “He said to me, ‘I have the prize and I’m done with the program, but I want to continue on.’ So he continued to use the pedometer. It’s funny how he talks to friends about the pedometer program, and they say they’re not interested. He immediately starts trying to convince them, telling them about how it helped his family. He’s very thoughtful. Wherever he sees he can help, he does. That’s just his personality.”

Adrian is also an avid baseball and soccer player. His father Richard enjoys running, so fitness is not necessarily new to the Swiechs. But Adrian’s motivation to help his family get even healthier has upped the family’s efforts.

“I think it changed me, and I love the fact that inspired me to keep working out,” Beatriz said. “He really wanted to help his grandfather and help change his life. It has been great overall for all of us. A parent of one of his classmates asked if he would be their personal trainer.”