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Berrien County Receives National Recognition from NIH

 

Check out the NIH website

Posted November 12, 2009

We Can! Healthy Berrien is not only promoting movement in Berrien County, MI, they are creating a movement. Lakeland Regional Health Center, a We Can! County since January 2008, is using local media to spread the We Can! word throughout the state.

Screenshot of the Healthy Berrien Web site

According to site leader and dietician Pamela Kurtz, Michigan is among the top ten most overweight states, and Berrien County ranks second in this issue among Michigan counties.

"Only as a community can we begin to make a difference and turn around the obesity epidemic," said Kurtz. "However, we are not going to be able to change obesity in Michigan with just one program; so we are getting our name out, putting it on everything, and hoping that eventually it will catch on!"

And it has caught on. We Can! Healthy Berrien has won media coverage from the Herald Palladium, the South Bend Tribune, and other local newsletters and publications. Additionally, Kurtz was recently invited to speak about the We Can! program on "In the Spotlight," a local radio show.

"We make our presence known by participating in different events and programs, as well as partnering with various organizations, so the We Can! name is always out there," said Kurtz.

We Can! Healthy Berrien recently participated in the Berrien County Youth Fair and YMCA's America on the Move. Kurtz also mentioned that the program tried to think "outside the box," doing things such as inviting a well-known, local chef to teach kids about fun and healthy food options which attracted local newspaper coverage.

In their efforts to raise awareness and credibility for the program, the site recently launched its own Web site. "When you are at events and talking to people about We Can!, it is sometimes difficult to explain the whole program," said Kurtz. "We thought a Web site would be a huge help in getting people interested in the program."

The new Web site is a one-stop-shop for people who want to learn about We Can! in Berrien, and enroll in one of the three We Can! Healthy Berrien parent/child programs. For more information on the program and the classes, visit http://wecanhealthyberrien.net.

Become a We Can! Site
We Can!™ is a turn-key, science-based program that provides you with the resources you need to help your community address the important issue of childhood overweight.
The flexible program allows almost any group or organization to sign up to become a We Can! community site and run the program.

Move More
Walking Maps, Exercise Places, etc.

Eat Healthier
Fruit Markets, Recipes, etc.

Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Centers, Activities, etc.

 

Life...Run With It!

Adult 5k Training Program

Want to get in shape, and even prepare for a 5K, all while supporting the health of young girls in our community?

Click her to get more information or download the registration form.  Even sponsored by United Way, Girls on the Run and YMCA.


We Can! or "Ways to Enhance Children's Activity & Nutrition" is a national program focused on three important behaviors: improved food choices, increased physical activity and reduced screen time. Read more about the program.

Add beans. They're a cheap, versatile, and nutritious source of protein and fiber that you can add to salads and one-pot meals like soups, stews, chili, and pasta fagioli. Canned beans are convenient, but for maximum savings start with dried beans


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