Kohl's, Baptist Health Paducah partner for middle school health
Childhood obesity programs, tips and recipes
Middle schools win walking challenge
The Baptist Health Foundation Paducah has received a $24,306 grant from Kohl’s Department Store for programs to promote good health at four middle schools in Paducah and McCracken County.
The grant, through the Kohl’s Cares cause merchandise program, was made possible through donations collected at the Paducah Kohl’s store. The “Kohl’s & Baptist Opening our Heart to Youth” partnership was announced at a news conference during the inaugural event at Lone Oak Middle School in the fall of 2012.
Carnivals also took place at Paducah Middle, Reidland Middle and Health Middle schools, reaching 783 sixth-graders.
The events follow a carnival theme with nine health-related activity booths operated by hospital volunteers. Students rotate through the different stations, which include trying new foods at the “Food Fear Factor” booth and measuring flexibility at the “Show Me Your Moves” booth.
To encourage the students to adopt more healthy lifestyles, each receives a free pedometer and a log to measure steps over six weeks. Prizes will be awarded to the students with the most steps in each homeroom class. The two schools with the most miles walked per student will receive a cash prize.
“Kohl’s has been a dedicated supporter of children’s health across the country, and Baptist Health Paducah is equally dedicated to curbing childhood obesity in our area,” said Laurie Latham, foundation director.
Latham noted that in addition to funding children’s health programs, Kohl’s associates also volunteer on a regular basis at community events.
Baptist Health Paducah is involved in several other fitness programs aimed at curbing childhood obesity, including Project Fit America fitness curriculum and equipment at five area elementary schools and Get Active Today through WPSD-TV. Visit westernbaptist.com/childhood obesity for more details. Through the Kohl'sCares® initiative, Kohl’s has donated more than $208 million (100 percen of net profit) from the sale of $5 books and plush toys to children’s health and education programs nationwide, including hospital partnerships like this one. Through Kohl’s Associates in Action volunteer program, more than 500,000 associates have donated more than 1.6 million hours since 2001; and Kohl’s has donated more than $47 million to youth-focused nonprofit organizations. Visit Kohls for more information.
