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Preventive Health | Nutrition and Physical Activity | Idaho Physical Activity and Nutrition

Idaho Physical Activity and Nutrition

 

Promoting

 

Healthy

 

Kids

 

Panhandle Health District belongs to the Action for Healthy Kids national team. Action for Healthy Kids is a national non-profit organization determined to address the epidemic of overweight, under-nourished and sedentary kids through changes in schools.

More than 60 organizations and agencies representing education, health, fitness and nutrition are working together to help kids develop lifelong habits that promote health and learning. Partners range from the American Cancer Society to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

Action for Healthy Kids works with teams in each state to create school environments that support health and academic achievement. In Idaho, the team developed "Idaho Recommendations for Promoting a Healthy School Nutrition Environment." The recommendations help schools choose food and drinks that are on the USDA's dietary guidelines. This is no short list! It includes:

  • Guidelines for vending machine products
  • nutrition standards
  • a la carte sales
  • fundraising activities
  • 150 recommended snack foods

Now, PHD is interviewing five school districts in the five northern counties to find out which ones are ready to commit to the Action for Healthy Kids program by adding wellness policies to their schools. Mini-grants are available to schools for such projects as removing vending machines or starting after-school programs. For information, contact Theresa Hylsky by e-mail (click on her name) or call 415-5284.

PHD is also part of the Safe Routes to Schools national movement. The program promotes walking and biking to school through education and incentives. It also promotes safer streets by encouraging greater enforcement of traffic laws and public education.

Want to know more? Here are some links to helpful information:

 

 



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