Patients Get Tips from Washington Nationals on Fitness and Healthy Eating

Washington Nationals pitchers Blake Treinen and Sammy Solis on June 28 visited Children's National patients and eight scholars from the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy. The kids asked the players questions in the Ryan Seacrest Studios, and other patients were able to call in from their hospital rooms. In the gym, the children learned tips on exercise and strength training, and put that knowledge to the test at several activity stations. With the help of Sammy Solis, they made pizza-flavored popcorn, hummus for veggies, and breadless sandwiches on a stick. To finish the day, participants got autographs from the players and received their own personalized Topps baseball card.

See photos.

It was fun to team up with the Youth Baseball Academy for the Nationals' third visit to the Washington National Diabetes Care Complex, which was created with the generous support of the team. Launched in 2013, the academy uses baseball and softball to foster character development, academic achievement, and improved health for youth in underserved communities in Washington, DC. 

Read detailed coverage from 11-year-old blogger Matt Eisner, who's treated for diabetes at Children's National. And if you're a Nationals fan, be sure to follow his blog, Matt's Bats.