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Healthy School Environment Recognition Program

May 4, 2010

Michigan schools stepped up to the plate to create healthier school environments. Recently Michigan Surgeon General Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom and the Michigan Action for Healthy Kids recognized 77 schools for fostering students' healthy eating and physical activity habits and tobacco-free lifestyles. Through the recognition program schools will be honored at the Eat Healthy+ Play Hard = Smart Student statewide conference in southern Michigan. Both the recognition program and conference are initiatives championed by the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH).

"We are tremendously excited that our educators and their community partners are taking the lead in improving the health of our most treasured resource - our children," said Wisdom. "A healthy school environment gives students clear and consistent health messages and ample opportunity to practice what they've learned. Research shows healthy students do better academically, have better attendance, and have fewer behavioral problems."

To apply for the recognition program, schools provide information about nutrition, physical education/activity and tobacco-free practices and submit one success story. Accomplishments include increasing availability of fruits, vegetables, milk and whole grains; promoting healthy habits to our school and staff members, and improving breakfast options that ensure all students a healthy breakfast. The 77 schools recognized this year represent almost 36,231 students impacted by positive changes.

Schools are eligible for one of four recognition levels and are encouraged to increase their level of recognition each year. We applaud schools that are making significant improvements in their environment related to healthy eating, activity and tobacco -free lifestyles said Dr. Wisdom.

To view school success stories and learn more about the Healthy School Environment Recognition Program and other resources available for schools, please visit the MDCH sponsored Web site at www.mihealthtools.org/healthyschools.asp. To join Michigan Action for Healthy Kids, visit www.actionforhealthykids.org.