This press release published at the request of the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County.
The Florida Department of Health in Alachua County is celebrating April 23, through April 27, 2018, as Every Kid Healthy Week by hosting an event at Talbot Elementary School. The event is during the school’s morning walking/running program and will promote and celebrate their school’s wellness achievements. Students, school staff, and parents are invited to attend. It is on Thursday, April 26, from 7 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. at Talbot Elementary (5701 N.W. 43rd St, Gainesville), during the before school walking/running program. The program is designed to let students begin each day in an active, healthy, and fun way.
This week, local health offices statewide are partnering with schools to host events related to nutrition, physical activity, and learning.
“Schools have a unique opportunity to help children develop a foundation of healthy habits for life,” stated Paul Myers, Administrator of the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County. “Healthy kids are better prepared to learn.”
Launched nationally by Action for Healthy Kids in 2013, Every Kid Healthy Week is an annual observance held in the last week of April. It shines a spotlight on the great efforts schools are making to improve the health and wellness of their students and the link between nutrition, physical activity, and learning. The observance also provides an opportunity for everyone in the country to get involved by supporting sound nutrition, regular physical activity, and health-promoting programs in schools.
Unhealthy weight puts children at risk for a variety of health complications and chronic diseases. Evidence shows students who eat right and are physically active in school learn healthy lifelong habits and are better equipped to succeed academically.
Teachers, parents, and individuals who want to learn and get involved can visit the Every Kid Healthy Week website.
For more information, contact Kourtney Oliver at 352-334-8889 or Kourtney.Oliver@flhealth.gov.