Physical Activity
El Paso County Serves as a Model for Obesity Prevention
Researchers at the Michael & Susan Dell Center for Advancement of Healthy Living at The University of Texas School of Public Health Austin Regional Campus found that obesity prevention efforts in the El Paso region were the most effective in Texas in decreasing the prevalence of childhood obesity. Deanna Hoelscher, Ph.D., director of the Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, examined regional changes of child obesity from 2000-2002 to 2004-2005, after the implementation of several statewide policies and programs in Texas. The study found a 13 percent decrease in the prevalence of obesity among El Paso 4th graders. “Data from the El Paso region...
Read MoreNew P.E. Program Coming to (California) City Schools, Funded by Federal Grant
New P.E. Program Coming to (California) City Schools, Funded by Federal Grant by Tracy Garcia, Staff Writer Posted: 03/02/2011 WHITTIER(, CA) – An expanded physical education program, complete with new equipment for each school and teacher training, is coming to the Whittier City School District next fall, thanks to a nearly $400,000 federal grant. The 6,600-student district was among 13 organizations in California to be awarded a Carol M. White Physical Education Program grant, which is designed to help schools expand or improve P.E. programs for K-12 students by including lessons in healthy eating habits, good nutrition and daily exercise. “We are all...
Read MoreCATCH GO, SLOW, WHOA Featured in the “Let’s Move” Initiative
KEENE, NH – United States Department of Health and Human Services Regional Director Christie Hager today joined Mayor P. Dale Pregent and John Magnarelli, Regional Special Nutrition Programs Director, US Dept. of Agriculture at the City of Keene Recreation Department to celebrate First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative to end childhood obesity within a generation, launched one year ago this week. The Keene event, hosted by Mayor Pregent, is one of 18 taking place in Let’s Move! Cities and Towns around the nation to highlight progress achieved while inspiring elected officials from all levels of government, schools, faith and...
Read MoreInterview with Sandy Morander, VP, Program Development
What prompted you to be an advocate and champion of children’s health? We provide our iPLAY program at all of our out of school time programs focusing on 30 minutes of physical activity, healthy snacks and decreased passive screen time and family engagement When did you adopt the CATCH Program and what prompted you to do so? We purchased a CATCH Toolbox for each location and trained 20 trainers, and now 7 train the trainers so we can continue to teach others how best to use the CATCH tools. Describe notable changes since implementing CATCH and how you know CATCH is working. Our staff is much more likely to “Try” something new now that they have had...
Read MoreSalem Y Receives $5,000 Grant
by Staff Reports The Y of Salem County has received a $5,000 grant. CARNEYS POINT TWP. – Thanks to a $5,000 grant from JCPenney Afterschool, the Y of Salem County will have the opportunity to help more children participate in safe, life-enriching afterschool programs this school year. This gift is one of 287 grants being awarded by “JCPenney Afterschool to Ys” around the country. It is designed to help YMCAs provide financial assistance to students (grades kindergarten through 12th) who otherwise could not afford to participate in afterschool programs. “JCPenney is firmly committed to supporting youth-serving organizations, like the Y, that are...
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