Grant Supports Local Youth Risk Reduction Education Program
The Clare County Community Foundation has awarded a $18,500 grant from the John A. and Audrey Brown Memorial Endowment Fund to the MyMichigan Health Foundation to support the Risk Reduction Education for Diabetes, Heart Disease and Obesity Prevention in Youth program.
This program targets 6th grade students and includes topics about healthy nutrition, increasing physical activity and other lifestyle behavior modifications. Working in collaboration with middle school science teachers, a MyMichigan Health registered nurse and registered dietitian, conducts classroom sessions utilizing engaging nutrition information.
“Using a curriculum developed by the USDA, we provide hands-on education to empower youth to make healthy food and activity choices,” said Erin White, manager of the Diabetes Center for MyMichigan Health. “We ask students to reflect on their personal choices and encourage them to drink more water, consume more fruits and vegetables and increase physical activity. These small, but impactful choices can lead to a healthy lifestyle that lasts into adulthood.”
One of the lessons includes a breakdown of nutritional labels, describing the different types of fats, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates, fiber, protein, minerals and vitamins. Students examine the nutritional information for a medium-sized apple compared to a pre-packaged brownie. They are then encouraged to discuss the differences in nutrition and how it impacts the body. “Each lesson also includes sampling a healthy snack option and opportunities to earn rewards,” said White.
The program encourages students to modify small habits that can make a big difference. “At our last session of the school year we ask each class which session they enjoyed the most and most students really like the physical activity session,” said Alana D’Ambrosio-Berry, R.N., diabetes educator. “It gets them out of their seats and often rooting for their classmates as they perform the activity.”
The Risk Reduction program reaches approximately 300 students each school year and indirectly impacts the students’ households. We aim to encourage youth to take control of their health by engaging in healthy lifestyle choices.
Those interested in more information on MyMichigan’s diabetes programs may visit www.mymichigan.org/diabetes.
About the Clare County Community Foundation
The Clare County Community Foundation exists to cultivate the power of giving within our community, support long-term transformation and help ensure all residents thrive.
