0718 Dunlap fights to shed childhood obesity problem

  • By Robin Hauenstein
  • July 14, 2011
  • 273
                        
Summary: Dunlap Community Hospital in Orrville was one of four hospitals chosen across the state to implement a childhood obesity awareness campaign in local schools. The success of the program means more children are making healthy choices in the area. The figures for childhood obesity rates in the United States are staggering. Ohio ranks as one of the top states with a high percentage of overweight children. Nearly 20 percent of children are obese, and many will continue to fight the weight battle into their adult years. However, across the state, Ohio healthcare providers are trying to find ways to reach young people and help them make positive nutrition decisions. Locally, Dunlap Community Hospital has been a willing participant in the battle for the health of area youth. Planting the Seed in Youth was a grant-funded program used in the Orrville City School District to address a growing area problem with childhood obesity. Nearly 40 percent of third- and fourth-grade students at the former North Elementary were designated as being overweight or at risk for being overweight. Cy Naumoff, project coordinator at Dunlap, wrote the grant and submitted it to the Foundation for Healthy Communities, a part of the Ohio Hospital Association. One of four programs awarded statewide, Planting the Seed in Youth was funded by a $22,800 grant. Beginning at North Elementary in September 2009, the program continued at the new Orrville Elementary School in the 2010 school year. Targeting recess as the time to implement the program, Naumoff said the first year, the grant paid for a trained staff member to participate in playground activities and get the kids moving. During the 2010-2011 school year, trainers from Dunlap West came to play during recess time, to implement what Naumoff called "active recess." Activities ranged from dodge ball to red rover to kickball to capture the flag and other playground games. The idea was to keep kids on the move throughout recess and exercising. Results from the active recess with elementary students were positive. "Teachers loved the program," Naumoff said. She noted there were positive comments that the students were more focused and calm after a good workout on the playground. Administrators also mandated that all students in grades K-3 were required to participate in the recess program at least two days a week. Forming an Active Kids Club, the hospital offered an after-school program that featured nutrition information, field trips, activities and food preparations. The club met at the Orrville Area Boys and Girls Club. An average of 35 third- and fourth-grade students participated in the activities, which took place twice a week. The Orrville-Dalton YMCA also partnered with the school and hospital, offering three Family Fun Nights, which included swimming, exercise activities, and a healthy dinner. About 175 children and their family members participated. Naumoff said now that the grant has expired, the Boys and Girls Club will take over the activities to keep children active. For those involved, it was rewarding. Students also participated in Fruity Fridays, which focused on eating healthy fruits and nutritional games. "You always try to get some sort of program into the schools," Naumoff said. She noted it is sometimes difficult to find a program that fits into curriculum and around the schedule of the school, but this one seemed to work. "One of the missions of the hospital is to be a healthy community," Naumoff added. "Childhood obesity is a real problem in our area." She felt part of the problem stems from oversized portions at meals and lack of nutritional education and understanding. With the success of Planting the Seed in Youth, the hospital will continue to promote healthy eating and healthy lifestyles in Orrville and the surrounding communities it serves.


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