|
 CATCH—which
stands for Coordinated
Approach
to
Child Health—is
a nationwide program aimed at combating childhood obesity that was
first implemented in two Logan County schools in the fall of 2014.
Now, Logan County has 15 schools including two early childhood
programs, reaching over 3,000 students in total.
Stoltzenburg said that staff at local schools, as well as kids
across the county, have embraced the CATCH message, which promotes
healthy eating and active lifestyles. Schools using the program
receive staff training, as well as resources like physical education
equipment and classroom curriculum.
ALMH Foundation Specialist for CATCH, Angie Whiteman regularly
provides fruits and veggies for taste testings and sometimes even
helps teachers with lesson plans from the CATCH curriculum. The
CATCH program also have Bruce Broccoli and Stella Strawberry that
visit the schools.
The CATCH Kids Club, an after school program, is also being
presented in partnership with the local YMCA, extending the message
beyond school walls.
And CATCH slogans are now featured on community billboards and park
banners.
“We are taking CATCH community-wide,” said Angela
Stoltzenburg, director, ALMH Community Health Collaborative,
“Healthy eating and active living is important for all ages.”
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This year the Children's and Community Wellness EXPOs
held at the Lincoln Park District in February were themed "Go, Slow
and Whoa Your Way to Health" building on the messaging the CATCH
schools teach.
A survey conducted last year showed that 95 percent of staff members
at participating schools felt the overall health of the students,
faculty and staff is positively affected by the CATCH program.
“CATCH schools are taking steps to make the healthy choice the easy
choice, it’s about creating a healthy school environment for our
children,” Stoltzenburg said.
[ALMH Community Health Collaborative
Director Angela Stoltzenburg / LDN]
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