FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 1, 2009
Oak Grove Elementary School selected to All-Health Team
COLUMBIA - Oak Grove Elementary School has been selected for the All-Health Team, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control announced today.
The Oak Grove Happy Feet Club was developed to promote physical activity and proper nutrition to combat the increasing rate of obesity in children, said Joann Moton Minder, DHECs All-Health Team coordinator.
The teachers noticed an increase in obesity in families and children in their community, Minder said. When students were asked about their daily activities, a large number of them said they played video games, watched television and engaged in very little physical activity.
According to Minder, the club is made up of students ages 8-11 who meet once a week for one hour. Each session consists of eating a healthy snack, health mini-lesson, stretching, walking, running and yoga. Students set and track their personal goals throughout the year.
The club members attempt to reach out and spread healthy habits messages throughout the school and community, Minder said. They hang posters throughout the school, write articles for the school newsletter, participate in a mini Relay for Life, appear on their school new show, and create health link on their school web page.
Parents have become involved in the club activities and often come to walk with their child, Minder said. One parent stated they use to be a video game family, but now they get outside and exercise more as a group.
For being named to the All-Health Team, Oak Grove Elementary will receive $500 to expand its project, t-shirts and other All-Health Team items, recognition on the All-Health Team Web site and a television spot on WIS-TV in Columbia.
DHEC and WIS-TV sponsor the All-Health Team. Each month, the partnership recognizes an individual or youth group promoting health in their community. For more information, visit the All-Health Team Web site, call Minder at (803) 545-4501 or e-mail her at: minderjm@dhec.sc.gov.
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For more information:
Adam Myrick - (803) 898-3884
E-mail - myrickar@dhec.sc.gov
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