Eastern Michigan University and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation are trying to take a bite out of childhood obesity.
The foundation has give EMU a $167,000 grant to work with students at four elementary schools in Ypsilanti – Brick, Childs, Model and Redner. The idea is to teach these 1,770 kids healthy lifestyle habits and hopefully shed a few of their fast-food, inactive routines. Getting a teachers and staff to follow suit would be icing on the cake.
"Reaching children at this early stage, before serious problems develop, can help them avoid obesity and associated chronic diseases later in life," says Ira Strumwasser, executive director and CEO of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation.
The grant plans to recreate the atmosphere in these schools to emphasize healthy living in all aspects of life for everyone at the schools, not students. School employees are participating in stress management and nutrition workshops held by EMU faculty. School officials and university faculty will also study the health habits of students and teachers to see where improvements can be made.
The program hopes to start whipping the kids into shape in January. Students will be able to participate (voluntarily) as they learn to develop a positive physical and mental image, eat healthier, be active at least one hour per day, decrease video "screen time" to two hours per day and learn sports skills they can enjoy throughout life. Students’ families also will be encouraged to participate.
Source: Eastern Michigan University
Writer: Jon Zemke
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