DETROIT (WXYZ) - Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is encouraging schools across the state to step up the fight against childhood obesity by participating in International Walk to School Day (iWalk) Wednesday.
"The International Walk to School Day fits right in with broader efforts underway to help schools reduce the risk and prevalence of childhood obesity," said Lynda Rossi, BCBSM vice president of social mission and public affairs. "Reaching kids at an early age is essential because they develop habits that will last into adulthood. Healthy eating and physical activity, which can be as simple as walking to school, are important life skills that help children grow and prevent health problems, such as hypertension and diabetes, later in life."
The company recently awarded Building Healthy Communities grants to 17 Michigan schools and their community partners as part of its mission-focused effort to reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity by increasing physical activity and improving nutrition. Many of the schools that received these grants will be kicking off their 2009-10 initiatives with iWalk.
In addition, the Blues also provide funding to the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports and the Michigan Fitness Foundation for Safe Routes to Schools grants. These grants help schools develop and maintain safe routes to schools, encouraging walking and biking to and from school. Thirty Michigan schools received grants this year and several are participating in the iWalk event.
In Michigan, 12 percent of middle school children and 15 percent of high school students are considered obese.
Participating Blues-funded Building Healthy Communities schools include: Fred D. Leonhard Elementary in Southfield; Franklin Elementary in Cadillac; King Academy of Extended Learning and Technology in Mt. Clemens; Seely McCord Elementary in Benton Harbor; Blair Elementary in Traverse City; University Preparatory Academy – Mark Murray Campus in Detroit, and Hunt Elementary in Jackson. Many of the schools are hosting walks with parents, teachers and city officials. Some plan on gathering for a healthy breakfast after the walk, or a school-wide assembly.
An estimated 6,200 schools in the United States participated in International Walk to School day in 2008, which is sponsored by a far ranging group of safety, government and nonprofit organizations.
