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CATCH Kids Club Program
Source: Rural Health Network of South Central New York
4/14/2009
On April 2nd, forty-three third grade students from the Whitney Point Central School District graduated from the CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) Kids Club. The CATCH afterschool program was funded in part by a grant from the Gannett Foundation and was facilitated by the Rural Health Network of SCNY.
The CATCH Kids Club met twice a week for five weeks. During that time, students learned about healthy eating habits and the importance of physical activity. The program also included a lesson from the Media-Smart Youth curriculum, which helps children understand that what they see and hear in the media can have a profound effect on decisions relating to their health.
In addition to classroom lessons, students received a healthy snack and 20 minutes of physical activity, directed by "Fitness Mike", aka: Michael Furnare, an AmeriCorps member serving as Health Promotion Associate at the Rural Health Network. A contest was created to encourage family involvement. Points were awarded to families who participated in healthy behaviors such as walking or including more vegetables in their meals.
The program kicked off with an assembly, led by "Nurse Deb" Wade and included a visit by the Broome County Fruits and Vegetables. "Nurse Deb" encouraged the kids to become Health Champions and to spread the word about the importance of having good health. Response to the program was overwhelming. When 36% of the 3rd grade class enrolled, space became an issue and the program was moved to the High School cafeteria.
Remarkably, 100% of students enrolled stayed with the program until graduation. In addition to the 43 enrolled youth, 78 family members attended the final graduation party. Pat Mizerack, a Registered Dietician from United Health Services, provided a cooking demonstration and samples of Cauliflower Soup and Banana Smoothies were available for everyone to try.
Joy Stalker, Director of Health Promotion at the Rural Health Network and facilitator of the program, received excellent feedback from the parents. Families reported lifestyle changes such as removing the sugar bowl from the dining room table, eating more fruits and vegetables and switching to whole grains.
CATCH is about bringing schools, families, and communities together to work toward creating a healthy environment for youth and families. The Rural Health Network understands the influence that these 3rd grade students have on family decision making and their ability to make conscious efforts to better their eating habits and incorporate more active lifestyle choices.
The CATCH Kids Club is one of the many successful WeCan! programs being run throughout Binghamton and Broome County. For more information on WeCan! and other exciting WeCan! events happening in Broome County, go to: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/wecan/whats-we-can/cc_broomebinghamton.htm. more
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