The Healthy School Environment Award Winners
First Place:
Switzer Elementary in the Utica School District
Atwood Elementary in the L'Anse Creuse School District
Krause Early and Late Elementary in the Armada School District
Second Place:
Schwarzkoff Elementary in the Utica School District
Ebeling Elementary in the Utica School District
Naldrett Elementary in the Anchor Bay School District
Sugar Bush Elementary in the Anchor Bay School District
Ashley Elementary in the Anchor Bay School District
Schools
Today's children are at high risk for developing many chronic diseases later in life due to obesity and lack of physical activity. These conditions include heart disease, high cholesterol and diabetes. Unfortunately, childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions. Over the last three decades, the number of children that are classified as overweight has almost tripled. Children, ages 2 to 18, spend an average of four hours a day watching television, playing video games or using a computer. Seventeen percent of American children are watching television more than five hours each day. These youth are 8.3 times more likely to be overweight than children who watch television for two hours or less. In efforts to combat this trend, the Macomb County Health Department has developed several age appropriate, school-based programs.
The Healthy Kids ~ Healthy Hearts Program is a NACo award winning, four-part program designed to teach 4th grade students in Macomb County healthy habits that will help prevent cardiovascular disease. The program
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In an effort to teach children that healthy habits begin at an early age, this one time interactive presentation is designed to teach kids the importance of getting at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day. In addition, the concept of limiting screen time (television, computer and video games) is addressed. This presentation is available for kindergarten through fifth grade. For more information, or to schedule a presentation for your school please call (586) 412-3387.
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For more information on any of the Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction Programs please contact (586) 412-3390 or email us now.
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Henry Ford Blast Off Program
Henry Ford Macomb School Health completed its first after school Blast-Off Program at Washington Elementary. The five-week program included 45 minutes of nutrition education activities and 45 minutes of exercise. Students enjoyed experiencing karate, Pilates, kick boxing, and yoga, as well as trying many new fruits and vegetables.
They learned the importance of limiting screen time and fast food meals and planning exercise into each day. They were actually able to see the amount of an appropriate serving size as well as the amount of sugar in various beverages.
Parents were grateful for information and the opportunity to have their children in the program. Henry Ford will continue to meet with these students and their families for a year and make monthly phone calls to assist them in making the necessary changes in their lifestyle.
Henry Ford School Health will continue with after school Blast-Off programs in other schools throughout the school year. A R.A.P. City event in the fall will be a train the trainer program for school health team members to conduct the Blast-Off program at their schools. Watch for more details. |
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targets key lifestyle elements including physical activity, nutrition and tobacco use. For four consecutive weeks, the staff meets with the students for one hour. During this time, the students are involved with interactive group activities addressing CVD risk factors. In addition, students participate in the "Healthy Hearts Challenge" and earn points by engaging in healthy behaviors outside of the classroom. Incentive prizes are awarded to supplement the lessons. For more information or to schedule this program for the 4th graders in your school, please call (586) 412-3387. 
To stress the importance of making healthy food and beverage choices, this interactive presentation involves fun activities and demonstration that engage the students. This one time presentation is available for kindergarten through fifth grade. For more information, or to schedule a presentation for your school, please call (586) 412-3387.
