UnitedHealthcare is inviting schools and other community-based nonprofit organizations to “Step into Service” by applying for UnitedHealth HEROES grants. Grants of up to $1,000 are available for youth-led service-learning projects, which aim to combat childhood obesity through walking, running, or hiking programs.
In Virginia alone, 31 percent of children between the ages of 10 and 17 are considered overweight or obese, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The UnitedHealth HEROES grants, a national program developed by UnitedHealthcare and Youth Service America, can be used to create hands-on, interactive service-learning programs that reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity. This program is unique in that it puts youth in the role of problem-solvers for the greatest health issue facing their generation. To date, nearly 1,000 UnitedHealth HEROES grants, totaling almost $500,000, have been awarded across the country.
Sandra B. Nichols, Chief Medical Officer, Northeast Region, UnitedHealthcare Clinical Services, offers tips to parents on how to keep their kids active and eating right as they head back to school and year-round, including:
- Have your kids help in the kitchen, packing a healthy lunch or making a nutritious dinner.
- Have a basket of fruit and crudités out for kids to snack on throughout the day.
- Have your kids try one new food every week; you never know if your children will like eggplant if they don’t try it!
- Experiment with smoothies. Carrots, spinach, a handful of berries and some low-fat yogurt make a delicious and nutritious treat. Kids will think it’s dessert!
- Encourage your child to walk to school. If you drive them, arrive early and take a walk around the school before starting the day or when you pick them up at the end of the day.
- If you belong to a gym, take your child with you. Many gyms have a childcare center with lots of activities to entertain kids while mom and dad are working out.
To apply, go to https://www.wizehive.com/appform/login/YSA2013UHH;
http://www.ysa.org/HEROES; application deadline is Oct. 15.
For more health information, go to www.dailypress.com/health
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