FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 30, 2004

WESTCHESTER COUNTY’S FIT KIDS CATCHING ON AT SCHOOLS ACROSS THE COUNTY
Program that combats childhood obesity now in 35 schools in 18 Westchester districts

From Tae kwon do demonstrations to milking cows, Westchester schools are coming up with creative ways to get kids interested in nutrition and exercise as part of the Fit Kids program to fight childhood obesity.

More than 35 schools in 18 districts across Westchester have joined the Fit Kids program since County Executive Andy Spano first challenged schools to join the fight against childhood obesity 18 months ago. Since its inception, Fit Kids has reached approximately 19,000 children in Westchester schools - about 13% of the County’s student population.

“The program is taking off,’’ said Spano. “School districts like Ossining, Somers and Valhalla have been particularly committed. These districts are doing a fabulous job of embracing the Fit Kids program and encouraging children to practice healthy habits that will benefit them throughout their lives. I’d like to encourage more districts to start programs in their schools.’’

Fit Kids was launched by the Spano administration in March 2003 with the goal of helping children make healthy lifestyle choices including sensible eating and exercise. The county’s Health Department, which administers the program, offers guidance and support to districts in starting their own programs. The program has been so successful that the health department has applied for a state grant to expand Fit Kids this year. The county is also expanding its fitness message to other age groups and on Oct. 17 will launch its BeFit Westchester campaign, which encourages people of all ages to get in shape through healthier eating and a program of regular exercise.

“The number of overweight and obese children in the United States has doubled since 1980 and now stands at about 15-percent of the population under 18 years of age,” said Joshua Lipsman, M.D., M.P.H., Commissioner of Health for Westchester County.

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“Many health problems are associated with overweight and obesity, including an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. It is very heartening to see schools take an active role in reversing this trend.”

The Ossining School District piloted the Fit Kids program at Brookside School Elementary Schools last year and will be expanding it to all four of their elementary schools this year. The district has announced it will provide $10,000 for the program and will also offer parent educational materials to pre-school caregivers.

The Somers School District has revamped its school lunch menus in accordance with the New York State School Food Service Association’s nutritional guidelines and encourages students to select healthy meal options. The Valhalla School District will be participating in the International Walk to School Day on October 6, 2004.

Posted on the Westchester County Health Department website are many examples of the exciting and creative activities many schools have developed to accomplish the aims Fit Kids. These initiatives include:

o Walkathons using pedometers

o Health fairs

o Wellness Wednesdays

o A Dairy Day with cows that students learned to milk

o Tae kwon do demonstrations

o Yoga and walking clubs

o Recipe contests

o Taste tests

o Performances by the Food Play theatrical group

In celebration of National Nutrition Month last March, Spano challenged schools to take the “No Junk Food Week” pledge. About 14,000 students at 27 schools promised not to eat junk food for a week. Almost 600 prizes were given out to students and 175 pedometers have been loaned to schools for walking activities.

A Fit Kids webpage (www.westchestergov.com/health/FitKids.htm) was created to assist schools with program implementation and to offer educators, parents, and students a variety of resources. Fit Kids schools have shared their success stories on the webpage, demonstrating that it is possible to create healthy school environments and have fun at the same time.

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One of the resources available on the website, and in hard copy, is the Fit Kids Resource Guide, which was developed to help schools plan and implement programs and activities. Over 150 copies of the resource guide have been distributed to date.

Westchester County hopes to be able to reach even more schools this year if it is awarded a grant from New York State’s Healthy Heart Program. And it’s a really good time for more schools to join, said Spano, since a state bill signed into law last week encourages schools to start child nutrition advisory commissions to make recommendations on how to improve nutrition in the schools.

The county has already received a grant from the National Dairy Council to work with White Plains Middle and High School students and increase awareness of the importance of calcium in their diet.

“Poor eating habits are established during childhood and can result in a lifetime of ill health and disability,” said County Executive Spano. “Establishing good eating and exercise habits are wise steps toward a healthy life.”

For additional information, call the Westchester County Health Department at (914) 813-5000 or visit our website at www.westchestergov.com/health.

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