Health Division encourages providing safe environment for children at schools

Oakland County Health Division (OCHD), under the leadership of Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, continues its celebration of the 18th annual National Public Health Week (NPHW) this week by focusing on health practices that can create healthier schools environments and that affect student performance. "Healthy children learn better," said OCHD Manager/Health Officer Kathy Forzley. "Public health and education systems must work together to teach them healthy habits." Six schools have received grants to implement Smarter Lunchroom Strategies to equip school lunchrooms with proven tools that improve eating behaviors and the health of children. Based on facilitation by OCHD and the Healthy Oakland Partnership (HOP) coalition, Waterford School District has been awarded $4,000 to start implementing Smarter Lunchroom Strategies in four elementary schools. Brandon School District and Pontiac Academy of Excellence were also awarded $1,000 to implement these strategies. HOP will work with most of these schools to assist with the implementing these strategies. Smarter Lunchroom Movement was started in 2009 with the goal of creating sustainable, research-based lunchrooms that guide students to make smarter, healthier food choices. The Michigan Department of Education will adopt these strategies in 2014--making Oakland County on the forefront of helping kids make healthier food choices in the lunchroom. Here are a few other ways to create healthy schools: Start small... * High school and college campuses should be smoke and tobacco free. * Advocate for students to have daily access to fruits and veggies and limit the amount of saturated fat, trans fat and sodium. * Speak up about the importance of physical education in school. * Encourage kids to say no to tobacco, drugs and alcohol. Think big... * Learn more about First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! campaign and how it can promote more physical activity in schools. * Encourage schools to get involved in the national Healthier US School Challenge which recognizes schools that have created healthier environments by promoting nutrition and physical activity. * Support the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, which provide all children with access to nutritious meals, regardless of their family's income. For additional information on Health Division services or health related resources, find the division on Facebook at Public Health Oakland or follow it at twitter.com/publichealthOC. Residents can also call Nurse on Call at 1-800-888-5533 or visit www.oakgov.com/health. Published: Tue, Apr 2, 2013