Celebrating Every Kid Healthy Week
We’ve all heard that one in three American kids is overweight or obese. That’s why it’s essential for everyone who cares about children to take action to improve their health and increase their opportunities for academic success. Luckily, there’s never been an easier way for all of us – especially parents and teachers – to work toward that goal during Every Kid Healthy™ Week, April 21-25.
Launched by Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK), Every Kid Healthy Week is an annual observance shared by AFHK’s networks of partner organizations, schools, volunteers and parents. Recognized the last week of April, this special week – which is listed on the calendar of National Health Observances – shines a spotlight on efforts to fight the childhood obesity epidemic and provides an opportunity for schools to celebrate their contributions to students’ health and wellness.
This year, more than 400 schools and volunteers in 27 states will hold taste tests of healthy food, plant school gardens, renovate school playgrounds, host family health fairs and more, as these are the kinds of activities that will create long-term healthier school environments and show students the ease and importance of eating well and being active every day.
With kids spending some 1,200 hours a year in schools – more than anywhere else besides their homes – school settings are a big part of the childhood obesity solution and the perfect place to emphasize the importance of sound nutrition, quality daily PE, regular physical activity and health-promoting school programs.
Time to take action
There are a number of ways you can celebrate Every Kid Healthy Week. Teachers, principals, school health workers and nutrition personnel can launch an event in their school and register/promote it within the Every Kid Healthy movement. Parents and community members can search for a local Every Kid Healthy Week event and contact the school to offer support for the wellness celebration.
Yes, we’ve made progress recognizing the childhood obesity epidemic and are beginning to see early, positive results from our combined efforts. But more work is needed…and your participation in Every Kid Healthy Week can help lead the charge.
Let’s work together to make Every Kid Healthy. It’s a goal we can reach together.
Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK) fights childhood obesity, undernourishment and physical inactivity by helping schools become healthier places so kids can live healthier lives. We partner with a legion of dedicated volunteers – teachers, students, moms, dads, school wellness experts and more – to create healthful school changes. After all, everyone has a part to play in ending the nation’s childhood obesity epidemic. AFHK’s grassroots efforts are supported by a collaboration of more than 75 organizations, corporations and government agencies. Working together, they’re giving kids the keys to health and academic success by meeting them where they are – in the classroom, in the cafeteria and on the playground – with fun physical activity and nutrition lessons and changes that make it possible for them to eat nutritiously and play every day. Visit AFHK on Facebook and on Twitter.
If you’re interested in reading more about the importance of physical activity and education, take a look at these other resources from Together Counts:
- Childhood Obesity: It’s Time To Think Outside the Box
- Daily Physical Activity is Key to Academic Success
- Healthy Habits for the Whole Family