Everyday headlines announce startling new data exposing the fitness crisis in America. Obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and heart disease are on the rise in every population. Nowhere is this crisis more alarming than among our school-aged children. Unfortunately their parents and teachers are not proving to be good role models.

All that is changing at the Charles A. Upson Elementary School in Lockport, NY. With the aid of the Niagara County Healthy Heart Program (HHP), the 80 plus teachers and support staff are coming together to adopt new, healthier lifestyles for themselves. As they embrace change in their own lives and challenge themselves they are becoming more confident and more vocal in addressing healthy habits among their students.

The newly formed Wellness Committee has launched several initiatives. Chief among them is their new lunch program. Using a grant provided by the Healthy Heart Program, the staff refrigerator was stocked with healthy lunches, snacks and beverages. By selling the foods at cost the Wellness Committee is able to restock the food supply and keep the program going. Now a quick lunch isn't limited to a candy bar, but several options such as vegetable soup, low fat frozen dinners, fruit and cold bottled water.

Teachers have enthusiastically embraced this new opportunity. One teacher reports, "I would like to say how much the Healthy Heart program has helped me to get back on the track of healthy eating, whether I dine from your little store or bring something from home. I have lost a couple of pounds and have decreased my desire for unhealthy foods, such as cake, chips, etc. I sure hope this program continues."

The committee continues to roll out new programs with the help of the Healthy Heart Program including a self-monitoring blood pressure station and a monthly blood pressure club serving about 30 staff members, a 20 member weight loss club, a walking club of 25 and a HHP sponsored walking competition. Staff meetings now include nutritious snacks. In the class rooms teachers have been taking "JAMmin' Minutes"breaks to get the children up and moving through out the day. The committee's next goal is to find ways to serve nutritious snacks to the children, rather than the usual cookies from home.

The excitement of the staff is palpable as they monitor physical changes in their health and is fueling a desire to help the students. This excitement is spreading as students see the difference in the adults around them and catch their enthusiasm for healthy living.


For more information about the Healthy Heart Program in Niagara County, please contact Cornell Cooperative Extension at 278-8131 and ask for Chris Brown.


Submitted by Katherine Streeter, RD, MBA.