GOVERNOR CRIST HIGHLIGHTS CAPITAL HEALTH PLAN/LEON COUNTY SCHOOLS FITNESS PROGRAM
April 19, 2007
Contact:
ERIN ISAAC
(850) 488-5394
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today congratulated students at Augusta Raa Middle School for their healthy lifestyle choices that include vigorous exercise and a healthy diet. Governor Crist was joined by Capital Health Plan (CHP) CEO John Hogan, Leon County Schools Superintendent Jackie Pons and Principal Pat Keen. The students participate in a program before and after school known as CHP Champions.
Augusta Raa Middle School is one of 17 schools in Leon County participating in the CHP Champions program. Governor Crist applauded the program as an example of how public-private partnerships can play a role in improving student health and fitness while promoting lifelong wellness.
“With childhood obesity on the rise, it is critical that we find ways to help children adopt healthy habits,” said Governor Crist. “Programs like CHP Champions and other public-private partnerships can help children understand at an early age that health, fitness and active living are fun and have a positive influence on learning.”
Governor Crist recently created the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness that will develop a state plan of action to increase Floridians’ level of physical fitness through regular exercise and sound nutritional practices. The goal is to reduce the number of Floridians who suffer from chronic diseases resulting from obesity within the next ten years.
Among other tasks, the council will review the implementation of daily physical education courses for elementary school students (grades K-5) and the feasibility of providing similar physical education courses for middle and high school students (grades 6-12) by the year 2012. Detailed information on the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness can be found at www.HealthyFloridians.com.
CHP Champions, an extended-day school fitness program, was launched in 2006 in partnership with Titus Sports Academy, Leon County Schools and the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce to offer Tallahassee-area students the opportunity to experience a healthy lifestyle.
“Our children are our future. Communities must collaborate and take action to keep them healthy,” said John Hogan of CHP. “Through our partnership with Leon County Schools, the CHP Champions program is working with our community to give students the tools they need to experience a healthy lifestyle, not just today, but for all of their tomorrows.”
According to a 2004 study of students’ body mass index conducted by Leon County Schools, 36.2 percent of children were either overweight or at risk of being overweight. At the same time, a pilot fitness program was initiated at two public schools.
Through later surveys conducted during the pilot program, parents indicated their children were more physically active at home and earned better grades. Teachers also reported that students participating in the program showed improved classroom behavior and performance and were more apt to learn and concentrate during class.
“If we change how our children feel about health and fitness today, we can change their future,” said Superintendent Pons. “Through programs like CHP Champions we are empowering our children to make lifestyle changes early so that they can reap the benefits as healthy adults.”
“Childhood obesity, due to poor diet and a lack of exercise, is becoming a national problem,” said, Dr. Nancy Van Vessem, CHP chief medical officer. “Programs like CHP Champions will go a long way to helping our children understand the importance of staying healthy by staying active.”