Twenty-seven 'Healthy School Heros' recognized for efforts in improving children's health

Twenty-seven educators, nurses, state department of education staff members, a state senator and health professionals were named ‘Healthy School Heroes’ this afternoon in recognition of the exemplary action far-reaching strides [used this phrase in Dr LM’s quote - need to replace] tthey have taken to improve children’s healthnutrition and physical activity in the school environment.

The announcement was made by Dr. Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, President and CEO-Designate of the president-designate, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, at the conclusion of the Healthy Schools Summit: Taking Action for Children’s Nutrition and Fitness, held in the nation’s capital October. 7-8.

Each Hero will receive a plaque and a $1,000 grant in the Hero’s name will be presented to a program of his or her selection to further their work and the goals of the Summit. (A complete list of the honorees and information on their project is attached to this release.) Heroes were nominated by 27 national education and health organizations and selected by a panel of health expertsto showcase someone within their organization who is doing exemplary work on behalf of children’s nutrition and fitness. (A complete list of the honorees, nominating organizations and information about the honorees’ work is attached to this release.)

“These 27 Heroes are role models for all of us,” said Lavizzo-Mourey. “They arell already taking greatfar-reaching strides on behalf of children’s health. Collectively, they embody all facets of action our society should take for children: nutrition and nutrition education, physical fitnessactivity, policy, food service, school health care, research, school administration, community and parental involvement, and advocacy.” The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation funded the Healthy School Heroes aspect recognition program in conjunction withof the Healthy Schools Summit.

Dr. David Satcher, MD, PhD, former U.S. Surgeon General and Summit Chairman, also praised the Heroes. “Those that we honor today demonstrate the power of an individual to impact the health and lives of many, many children,” Satcher said. “Adults throughout America can learn from these role models. We all have a responsibility to help young people develop a healthy, active lifestyle. It’s a national imperative.”

Lavizzo-Mourey cited three examples of the outstanding work being done by the Healthy School Heroes. Mary Clotts, a third grade teacher at Beechwood Elementary School, Whitehall, Ohio, more than 20 years ago started having her students eat lunch in her classroom when she determined that they were not eating full, healthy lunches.

“Mrs. Clotts is taking action for her kids in ways we don’t expect of many teachers, who have already given so much of their time and energy to their students…let alone their own lunch hour,” Lavizzo-Mourey said. “And, her effort is paying off Two decades of Mrs. Clotts’s third graders have eaten better because she understands the importance of good nutrition.” as her students are eating better.”

Larry Larson, principal, North Cache 8-9 Center, Richmond, Utah, was singled out for his efforts in promoting physical activity at his school. “Mr. Larson has donated fitness equipment to the school for after-school physical activity and has given all teachers a pedometer as part of the school’s “’Get Up, Get Out, Get Fit” ‘ program. Each teacher sets goals for the number of steps walked in a week, and students are checking with their teachers to see how many steps they have recorded. Students have now set their own physical activity and nutrition goals.”

“Ms. Bradford has committed her time and energy toward promoting the fact that nutrition and fitness programs should not be thought of as wholly separate from the academic curriculum. Instead, she advocates that such programs are a key part of student achievement, and hence, should not be cut as states face budget crises. She has convinced her school board of this connection between good health and good achievement, and she advances this cause at state and national levels as well.”

A complete list of the Heroes and more information about the Healthy Schools Summit can be found at www.actionforhealthykids.org.

Author Notes:

Ingrid Kelly contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.1st-in-fitness.com. A source of information and helpful tips on various types of fitness equipment.

	Childrens Health
Twenty-seven 'Healthy School Heros' recognized for efforts in improving children's health