April 12, 2004

Community Night Held To Educate Children and Families On Nutrition

Click on images below to see them full size Editor’s note: Families have signed release forms for all children in these photos   With childhood obesity rates rising, the Owyhee division of the Healthy Families Active Youth Coalition decided to do something about it. The coalition gathered community resources and held a Family Fun Night March 30 at Homedale Elementary School. More than 150 children came to the evening with their parents and family members, making the final count approximately 450. The goal of the Owyhee Healthy Families Active Youth Coalition is to bring various community members together to reduce the risks of diabetes and heart disease resulting from obesity. The children learned about health nutrition from University of Idaho Extension Office and Idaho Foodbank representatives. The Idaho Foodbank and the Idaho Dairy Council served snacks. Boise State University nursing students performed health assessments and played games with the children. Terry Reilly Health Services presented information aimed at keeping children safe from sexual abuse. Prizes donated by the community were given away, including Roaring Springs passes, Nampa Recreational passes, and pedometers donated by Bonnie Hopper. The coalition plans to meet monthly to continue working towards their goal. For more information on meeting times or activities, contact Terry Reilly Health Services in Nampa at 467-4431. -30- Contact Brenda Inskeep Department of Nursing 208 422-0599 Media Contacts Pat Pyke communications and marketing 208 426-1987 Angela Jones communications and marketing 208 426-3196