Oklahoma Fit Kids Coalition: Current News

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The 2nd Annual Fit Kids Coalition Awards Luncheon will be held on Thursday, December 6, 2007 during the Oklahoma Turning Point Council and Oklahoma Fit Kids Coalition Conference. Fit Kids will be honoring those who are making positive and significant contributions to improving the health of Okahoma children and youth. Those to be honored will represent the following categories: Healthy and Fit School, School Staff (such as teachers, principals, school nurse, etc.), Corporation, Public Official, and Youth/Community Leader.

Nominations submitted using the Nomination Form will be accepted until November 16, 2007. Contact the Fit Kids Coalition office at (405) 236-5437 ext. 113 or email Ameyka Pittman for more information.

Honorees selected for the First Fit Kids Awards sponsored by the Oklahoma Fit Kids Coalition were announced at the state wide Oklahoma Turning Point Forum and Oklahoma Fit Kids Coalition Conference held recently in Oklahoma City. The honorees were: Skyview Elementary School in Yukon for the Healthy and Fit School Award; Christoper Lee Gaeddert from Stillwater, Distinguished Youth Leader; Melissa Walden, Claremore High School, Distinguished School Teacher; and Senator Bernest Cain and Representative Susan Winchester, Distinguished Public Officials.

Ameyka Pittman, Fit Kids Project Coordinator, explains the mission of the Oklahoma Fit Kids Coalition is to improve the health and well being of Oklahoma youth and families by reducing childhood obesity. “Through a group of dedicated physicians, pediatricians, health, and child advocates, the coalition has transformed the legislative perspective for school health in Oklahoma,” she said. The coalition is dedicated to reversing the trend in Oklahoma towards childhood overweight and obesity; and is committed to achieving its mission through education, collaboration, and advocacy.

“Turning Point is anchored in two convictions: communities have strength and everyone has a stake in public health,” Ameyka said. Turning Point is a national initiative of the W.K. Kellogg and Robert Wood Johnson Foundations to transform and strengthen public health infrastructures, founded on the idea that diverse groups working together can better identify and influence the determinants of health. Turning Point starts at the local level, building broad community support and participation in public health priority setting and action.

Stan Hupfeld, President and CEO of Baptist Integris and Board President of the Oklahoma Fit Kids Coalition presented the awards saying, “It is a pleasure to stand before you to recognize the achievements and contributions of teachers, youth leaders, public officials, and schools that are making a difference in the health, fitness, and nutrition of Oklahoma children and youth.”

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Honoree Information

Skyview Elementary, Yukon, Healthy and Fit School

“When you talk about schools that are taking action to combat childhood obesity, Skyview Elementary is a leader among leaders. Under the enthusiastic and committed leadership of Principal Beth Spears and physical education teacher Vanessa Nix, Skyview has experienced remarkable success with implementing programs and changes that have a positive effect on the students, parents and community. “said Hupfield

During the 2003-2004 school year, Skyview was like many other schools with “Candy Day” and pop sales at least once a month, students on the playground sitting under a shade tree telling stories, and diners in the cafeteria were munching on deep-fat fried tator tots and cookies. Now, when you walk inside Skyview, you see healthy alternative snacks like beef jerky and granola bars available for purchase instead of candy and pop sales. The school cafeteria removed the deep fat fryers and offers healthy lunch options, including fresh fruits and vegetables. Outside students are walking or running around the newly built 8-foot wide quarter mile track, where students accumulate miles to earn “Toe Tokens”. Even parents are seen running and walking on the track with their children. The desire to become healthy and fit is contagious and spreading throughout the community.

Chris Gaeddert, Stillwater, Distinguished Youth Leader

Chris Gaeddert, affectionately known as ‘Bubba’, is the Youth Sports Director at the Stillwater Family YMCA. Before coming to Stillwater, Bubba worked with the Oklahoma City YMCA as a Youth Fitness Coordinator for 5 years. He is a college student at Oklahoma State University, a big brother for Big Brothers and Sisters, a youth leader in his local church, and a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He shows children how to have fun in a positive, active and healthy way. Bubba has improved many of the existing sports programs, developed new athletic activities, and contributed to organized sports programs, after school care, sports clinics, personal training and wellness programs, community service projects, and recreational activities operated at the YMCA and in the community. According to Bubba, “Nutrition, fitness, physical and emotional well being, and substance use prevention are all components of healthy lifestyles. By helping young people develop healthy behaviors and choices, their short- and long-term health and productivity is significantly increased. Youth need opportunities to explore and talk about what it means to have healthy relationships that influence a healthy lifestyle.”

Melissa Walden, Claremore, Distinguished School Teacher

A teacher, role model, innovator, “Oklahoma’s Best Physical Fitness Teacher,” are words used to describe Melissa Walden, Female Fitness instructor at Claremore High School.

Walden is educating future adults and their families via the public school system. Her Female Fitness class offers female students the opportunity to discover how far they can push themselves mentally, emotionally and physically. Labeled a physical education class, Female Fitness is much more. Female students are taught to focus on the positive, unique qualities they possess. The majority of the week is spent in the physical fitness portion of the program. They are also learning about nutrition and goal setting. At the end of each term, the students’ families are invited to a “Fitness Show”, where they get to witness the dramatic changes the girls have undergone. Each young lady is highlighted using self chosen accomplishments. Countless parents have thanked Melissa for helping their daughters by raising their self-esteem. In Walden’s first year, there were 50 girls enrolled in her program. Currently there are more than 170 girls enrolled and many more on a waiting list. Three other school districts have implemented the Female Fitness program. Claremore Schools won the Fit and Healthy Schools Excellence Award for two consecutive years. Melissa has used innovation, enthusiasm, and dedication to help her students be healthy and fit.

Senator Bernest Cain and Rep. Susan Winchester, Distinguished Public Officials

“The legislative accomplishments of the Oklahoma Fit Kids Coalition would simply not have been possible without true champions within the legislature, and we found these champions in Representative Susan Winchester and Senator Bernest Cain,” explained Hupfield.

Senator Cain served in the Oklahoma Senate for 28 years before terms limits kicked in this past year. He served for many years as the Chair of the Human Resources committee, and sponsored numerous bills to improve services for children, the elderly, the disabled and other groups in need of health and social services. Even before the Fit Kids Coalition was formed, he was already working on a Children’s Health Task Force, studying issues related to the crisis in childhood obesity, physical fitness and nutrition.

Rep. Winchester has used her political platform on behalf of children. She was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 1998, and was named the first woman speaker pro tempore – the second highest position in the House – in 2005. In 2006 she was named Woman of Year by the Journal Record. She serves on the board of the Fit Kids Coalition, and she has sponsored every piece of legislation promoted for the past three years, including re-instating physical education in schools, getting junk food out of schools and creating the new Farm to School Program to provide local schools with fresh, locally-grown produce.

Are We Making Progress in Preventing Childhood Obesity?

A newly released report from the Institute of Medicine, Progress in Preventing Childhood Obesity: How Do We Measure Up?, finds that the nation is starting to comprehend the seriousness of the childhood obesity epidemic. However, the report suggests that we are not applying enough resources to address the problem. Additionally, the report indicates a pressing need for evaluation of existing programs and better tools to monitor progress.

Read a summary and download full text of the report

http://www.rwjf.org/research/researchdetail.jsp?id=3029&ia=138

View webcast of IOM public briefing

http://www.rwjf.org/newsroom/activitydetail.jsp?id=10180&type=3

New NHPF Publication Examines Effects of Food Marketing to Kids

The National Health Policy Forum announces the availability of a new issue brief Effects of Food Marketing to Kids: I'm Lovin' It?

http://www.nhpf.org/pdfs_ib/IB814_FoodMarketing_08-15-06.pdf

This issue brief reviews key findings and recommendations from the Institute of Medicine study on food marketing and its effects on childhood obesity. The brief describes the childhood obesity epidemic, discusses key trends associated with rising childhood obesity rates, and considers the relative role of marketing practices on diet and obesity within the broader context of complex contributory factors.

The National Survey of Children's Health: Overweight and Physical Activity Among Children: A Portrait of States and the Nation, 2005

Get interactive, online access to national and state data from the National Survey of Children's Health - plus resources and technical support for using the data results.

http://www.nschdata.org/Content/Default.aspx

And get a copy of the just-released survey, Overweight and Physical Activity Among Children: A Portrait of States and the Nation, 2005.

http://nschdata.org/documents/OverweightChartBook.pdf

FOR RELEASE:

For more information:

March 14, 2006

ENTIRE FIT KIDS LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE

PASSES MID-WAY POINT

March 14, 2006 --- The Oklahoma Fit Kids Coalition, an association of more than 90 organizations united to combat childhood obesity, is pleased to announce the initial passage of their 2006 legislative package. All four measures have passed through committee and the full Senate floor.

The package includes three bills that: create a Farm to School program, within the Department of Agriculture, to coordinate the efforts of schools and farmers across the state; direct the Department of Education to develop a fitness assessment software program with the ability to track various measurements of student fitness, including Body Mass Index, aerobic endurance, strength and flexibility; and provide additional resources to the Healthy & Fit School Advisory Committees.

"We are excited and pleased that the 2006 Fit Kids Coalition legislative package has received such significant initial support. Solidarity from our state leaders demonstrates the importance of improving the nutrition for Oklahoma's school children, implementing a program of fitness testing, and strengthening parental advisory committees. The Coalition congratulates the Senate and House for a commitment that will insure our kids get the education and support needed to make healthy choices throughout their lives,"

says Stan Hupfeld, chair of the coalition and president and CEO of INTEGRIS Health.

The 2006 Fit Kids legislative package includes:

FARM TO SCHOOL, Senate Bill 1515 (sponsored by Senator Daisy Lawler and Representative Neil Brannon) and House Bill 2655 (sponsored by Representative Susan Winchester and Senator Daisy Lawler) builds on the successful efforts and expertise of the Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture and the Oklahoma Food Policy Council. The program provides fresh, high-quality, locally-grown fruits and vegetables to school cafeterias and teaches kids about healthy eating through nutrition education and school gardens.

A 2005 study from the Centers for Disease Control reports only 15% of Oklahomans eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day, ranking the state dead last in the nation. Eating high calorie, low-nutrient foods instead of fruits and vegetables additionally contributes to the youth obesity epidemic in Oklahoma.

FITNESS TESTING, Senate Bill 1461 (sponsored by Senator Bernest Cain and Representative Susan Winchester) provides a means to establish a baseline of data by which to measure progress, and plans programs and activities to address identified needs. Fitness Testing provides a comprehensive picture of a student’s overall fitness level, and creates confidential reports for parents that explain the data and provides tools to plan activities for the entire family to be physically active and maintain fitness together.

Although the rates of childhood overweight and obesity in the state have been calculated based on scientific surveys, no data exists at the local school level to calculate the scope of the problem. Schools need better information about their student’s health status in order to tailor curricula and activities to meet the needs of their students. And, parents need better information about their children’s health status in order to make informed decisions about family diet and activity.

HEALTHY & FIT SCHOOL ADVISORY COMMITTES, Senate Bill 1459 (sponsored by Senator Bernest Cain and Representative Susan Winchester) allows committee recommendations to receive the attention and resources they deserve to begin making a difference for their children. SB 1459 strengthens advisory committees by tracking and reporting progress. Resources are additionally provided to assist the committees in doing their jobs.

The Healthy & Fit Schools Act of 2004 directed each school to establish an advisory committee to study and make recommendations for their own school sites, yet there was no incentive to do so. In 2005, the Oklahoma Fit Kids Coalition succeeded in enhancing the viability of the Healthy & Fit School Advisory Committees by making them a part of the accreditation process. However, the implementation was set for 2007. And, within the legislation creating the committees, there was no instruction or guidelines for assisting the members to conduct an assessment of their school site.

For more information on the Fit Kids legislative package, contact Legislative Chair, Anne Roberts at 405/236-KIDS, or aroberts@oica.org.

The mission of the Oklahoma Fit Kids Coalition is to make a major contribution to the health and well-being of all Oklahomans, including youth and families, by reducing childhood obesity. The Coalition accomplishes this mission through a comprehensive program of activities including education, collaboration and advocacy, thereby minimizing diseases and premature deaths in our state caused by childhood obesity.

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FOR RELEASE:

December 6, 2005

OKLAHOMA FIT KIDS COALITION

SPEAKERS BUREAU AVAILABLE

TULSA, OKLAHOMA – The Oklahoma Fit Kids Coalition, a statewide organization targeting childhood obesity, announces its Speakers Bureau for community outreach and education efforts in Oklahoma. Programs and presentations designed to raise awareness on childhood obesity, are available free-of-charge to employee programs, community forums, congregations, school and parenting groups.

Advocating health and fitness for the legacy of Oklahoma, the Fit Kids Coalition is a positive solution to childhood overweight and obesity. With the mission to make a major contribution to the health and well-being of all Oklahomans, this non-profit organization is not about aesthetics, it is about health.

By 2008, three in every 10 adult Oklahomans will be obese. Fifteen percent of Oklahoma’s teens are considered “severely overweight or obese” right now. Inactivity and poor nutrition are considered the number one health issues facing Oklahoma’s children, and the medical price kids will pay includes heart disease (seen in children as young as five) stroke, high blood pressure, and the debilitating consequences of diabetes.

Childhood obesity also presents grave economic implications, in terms of future health care needs and new business recruitment. The childhood obesity epidemic is putting Oklahoma’s future at risk.

To learn more about this serious health concern, and ways to turn it around, call the Oklahoma Fit Kids Coalition Speakers Bureau. To schedule a presentation in Central, South and West Oklahoma, call Heather Duvall at 405.236.5437, ext. 201.

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FOR RELEASE:

December 6, 2005

Oklahoma Fit Kids Coalition Announces

Appointments to Governing Body:

Coalition membership doubles in one year

TULSA, OKLAHOMA – The Oklahoma Fit Kids Coalition, a statewide organization targeting childhood obesity, announces new appointments to its Executive Committee and governing body.

New Executive Committee members include:

Mr. Tom Neff/Secretary, Saint Francis Health System, Sr. VP of Strategic Planning.

Ms. Jennifer Eve/Media Committee Chair, Jennifer Eve Media Inc., President.

Dr. Robert Block, University of Oklahoma, Chair of Pediatrics.

Ms. Joy Leuthard, Oklahoma State Medical Association, Director of Healthcare Policy & Research.

Dr. Ken Setter, American Academy of Pediatrics – Oklahoma Chapter, Past President.

Mr. Richard Todd, Community Care Oklahoma, President & CEO.

Executive members returning for a second term include:

Mr. Stanley Hupfeld/Chair, INTEGRIS Health, President & CEO.

Dr. Janice Filler/Vice Chair, INTEGRIS Health, Private Practice Physician.

Ms. Anne Roberts/Legislative Committee Chair, Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy, Executive Director.

The Fit Kids Coalition has been instrumental in passing legislation to get junk food out of Oklahoma’s schools, and reinstating physical education. This broad and influential association has grown to include over 90 organizations across Oklahoma in efforts to bring awareness to the crisis of childhood obesity. Member organizations include hospitals, state health associations, state universities and education advocates. A complete list of Coalition member organizations can be found on-line at: www.FitKidsOK.org.

Many Oklahomans are familiar with the Fit Kids Coalition through its aggressive efforts at the state capitol in passing new laws to protect children from the growing epidemic of obesity.

In January 2004, the Fit Kids Coalition launched a statewide initiative to fight childhood obesity, with a forceful effort to pass three pieces of legislation that proposed restrictions on vending machines in schools, more physical education for children and an expanded advisory committees in schools (with an added health component).

Governor Brad Henry has now signed all three bills into law.

In 2006, “We’ll be back at the state capitol advocating for our children’s future,” Stanley Hupfeld, Coalition chair and CEO of INTEGRIS Health says. “In the meantime, we’ll remain in close contact with state education leadership throughout Oklahoma, as we work to make schools healthier environments for kids.”

Members of the public can call 1-918-697-9677 or 1-405-236-5437 for more information about the Oklahoma Fit Kids Coalition.

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Oklahoma

Oklahoma in the National Spotlight

(Washington, D.C.) Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett and Child Advocate Anne Roberts recently teamed up in our nation’s Capitol to make a special presentation about the work of the Oklahoma FIT KIDS Coalition at the U.S. Conference of Mayors Winter Meeting.

"Childhood obesity is threatening to rob Oklahoma of its best and brightest," said Mayor Cornett. "Business owners are becoming concerned that their future workforce will run up the costs of health insurance, and cost their employers in lost productivity. We are grateful for the work of the Oklahoma Fit Kids Coalition to help us turn the tide on this important problem."

Spurred in part by an article in a health magazine that ranked Oklahoma City and Tulsa low on a list of U.S. cities in terms of how healthy its residents are, Mayor Cornett and Tulsa Mayor Bill LaFortune launched a joint Mayors’ Fitness Challenge in November 2005. The Mayors received assistance in their efforts from a number of organizations, including the Fit Kids Coalition.

"The Oklahoma Fit Kids Coalition has been remarkably successful in our legislative efforts. The University of Baltimore publishes a report card comparing all 50 states’ efforts to fight childhood obesity. In one year, Oklahoma rose from an "F" to a "B", and is now ranked as one of the top 12 states. We improved our ranking by getting junk food out of schools, and re-instating physical education," said Anne Roberts, Project Director for the Coalition. "It was a text-book example of citizen-generated change, and one that U.S. Mayors can certainly replicate in their own communities."

For more information on the Mayors Challenge, or the Oklahoma Fit Kids Coalition, go to http://www.mayorsfitnesschallenge.com/ or www.fitkidsok.org

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OKLAHOMA'S GRADE RISES FROM F TO B

Now one of the Nation's Top 12

The University of Baltimore has released its 2nd annual Obesity Report Card, which compares all 50 states' legislative efforts to fight child obesity.

In one year, Oklahoma rose in status as one of the worst states (having taken no action to fight child obesity) to one of the top 12. We're one of 11 states given a B grade.

Oklahoma's improved last year's F by restricting student's access to vending machines, bringing back physical education (at least 60 minutes per week), and forming school health advisory committees at every school.

We take pride in this accomplishment - one that would not have been possible withouth the support of legislators, school administration, parents, community members, and the Fit Kids Coalition.

We look forward to continued momentum on this vital public health issue.

To find the study, click here.