Palmetto Health Awards Obesity Prevention Champion
June 3, 2009
Richland County School District One’s Extended Day Programs receive $250
COLUMBIA, SC – June 1, 2009 – Palmetto Health’s Office of Community Services recently named Richland County School District One’s Extended Day Program its Champion of Obesity Prevention and awarded $250 to support or improve the program.
Richland District One was recognized because of its interest in addressing the medical health of students in grades K-12. District leaders’ emphasis has been to improve students’ health to help them perform better academically. Richland School District One’s Office of Extended Day programs approach the youth obesity epidemic by:
– Creating a healthy and nutritious school environment during the regular school day and extended day program hours.
– Providing after-school snacks that meet specific nutrient requirements and federal Food and Drug Association (FDA) dietary guidelines through its Sensible Snacking program.
– Sponsoring after-school program enrichment components introducing students to an array of physical activities, including Tae kwon do, aerobics and physical training.
– Hosting advocacy and awareness programs promoting the importance of after-school programs as a key intervention to reduce youth obesity and risky behaviors among students.
South Carolina’s obesity and overweight rates are among the highest in the nation causing chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease, stroke and diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), South Carolinians rank fourth in the nation for being overweight or obese.
In March, organizations that address obesity through advocacy, research or other activities were invited to submit an application to be a Champion. Palmetto Health will solicit applications again in September. To apply, visit www.healthypalmetto.org.
Palmetto Health’s Office of Community Services offers a series of health care initiatives to uninsured and underinsured people in Richland, Lexington, Fairfield and Pickens counties. Services include free health screenings for cancer and diabetes, prenatal services, teen pregnancy prevention efforts and dental programs.
