Independence HS gets grant | Mountain Democrat

Independence High School is a small continuation school that serves at-risk youth.

With this grant, students will create a team focused on combating obesity and its contributing factors (poor nutrition, lack of exercise, etc.) and participate in fitness run/walk events.

Students will meet regularly after school to discuss health issues and to train for local races that benefit charitable causes. Students will work to break unhealthy habits and start exercise regimes designed to mold them into athletes capable of running for at least two miles at a time.

The culminating school-wide run/walk that will involve all students as well as community organizations and student families, as well as celebrate the health accomplishments the students have achieved during the course of the semester.

These programs were selected because they demonstrate a clear understanding of the health risks associated with childhood obesity; propose creative solutions to fight obesity in neighborhoods and communities; and can be effectively implemented, scaled and measured. Projects will culminate April 20-22 on Global Youth Service Day, the world?s largest and longest-running youth-led service campaign.

?We believe that children are uniquely positioned to come up with creative ideas to help their peers in the fight against obesity and to encourage healthier living,? said Dan Rosenthal, CEO, UnitedHealthcare of Northern California. ?With UnitedHealth HEROES, we are helping young people take action to improve their overall health and quality of life in a way that?s not only educational, but beneficial for their entire community.?

?When we ask young people to tackle tough issues like childhood obesity, we?re helping to inspire the problem-solvers of today and tomorrow,? said Steve Culbertson, president and CEO of YSA. ?UnitedHealth Heroes grants have a ripple effect: the benefits will be seen in communities nationwide now and well into the future. YSA applauds UnitedHealthcare for inviting young people to take action and create healthy communities.?

Obesity is a critical problem among America?s children. According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in three children is obese or overweight, putting them on the road to lifelong chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

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Posted by Press Release on Feb 6 2012
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