September 21, 2005

Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom, Michigan Surgeon General, announced a new program today encouraging Michigan schools to promote physical activity, healthy eating, and a tobacco-free lifestyle to students and staff.

The Healthy Schools initiative, a new component of the Michigan Steps Up statewide healthy lifestyles campaign, aims to engage 30 state-level school and community organizations and at least 400 schools to create a healthy school environment by establishing Coordinated School Health Teams, completing the Healthy School Action Tool and joining the Michigan Team Nutrition and Michigan Action For Healthy Kids associations by 2006. Free resources for schools are now available at www.michiganstepsup.org.

“Michigan needs school environments that support efforts to help students achieve their full academic potential,” Wisdom said. “A healthy school environment gives students clear and consistent messages, accurate health information, and ample opportunity for application.”

The Healthy Schools initiative is the result of a two-year collaboration among representatives from the Michigan Department of Community Health, Michigan Department of Education; the Michigan Parent Teacher Student Association; Comprehensive School Health Coordinators Association; United Dairy Industry of Michigan; Michigan State University Extension; Michigan Action for Health Kids Coalition; Team Nutrition; and others.

“In many Michigan schools, students learn about the importance of physical activity and healthy eating in the classroom, and school professionals must continue to create an environment that is more supportive of those health goals,” said Michigan Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan. "This program will make sure our kids get the proper health and nutrition messages that will ultimately lead to a healthier, more active life."

Wisdom also announced the Michigan Surgeon General’s Healthy School Environment Recognition Program to celebrate schools that are taking exemplary steps to improve the health of students and staff. Schools are encouraged to complete an online application by January 20, 2006. For more information, please visit the Healthy Schools section at www.michiganstepsup.org.

According to 2001 Michigan Youth Risk Behavior Survey results, only 44 percent of male adolescents and 27 percent of female adolescents meet the minimum average daily goal of at least five servings of fruits and vegetables. One third of students do not receive the recommended amount of both moderate and vigorous physical activity during the week.