Rapid Growth, 4/26

Building Healthy Communities program aims to surround Michigan school children with healthy living

By Natalie Tomlin

Kristen Kaszeta, manager of Building Healthy Communities (BHC) at Wayne State University, shares reasons why Building Healthy Communities is essential in Michigan. According to the 2012 National Survey of Children's Health, 32.6 percent of children in Michigan are overweight or obese, less than 27 percent of children met the recommended amount of daily physical activity. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends 60 minutes or more of physical activity per day. Further, the survey showed that 87.8 percent of children reported an hour or more of screen time per day. And while it is resoundingly clear that nutrition and exercise are important, Kaszeta shares what research reveals: when students eat healthy and are active, it has a huge impact on a school environment, including fewer sick days, fewer disciplinary issues, and fewer unexcused absences. BHC is part of a partnership of statewide organizations, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Michigan Fitness Foundation, and the United Dairy Industry of Michigan. Led by the Wayne State University Center for Health and Community Impact, the program is composed of six elements focusing on physical activity and nutrition: principal engagement, classroom education on healthy eating and physical activity, quality physical education, active recess, student leadership teams, and healthy kids' clubs. http://www.rapidgrowthmedia.com/features/BuidingHealthyCommunities_MNL.aspx