Extraordinary Stories
The people who give shape to the College of Public Health are involved in an impressive array of research, teaching, and outreach activities. Their work benefits not only Iowa, but places around the globe. Support for the college ensures the continuation of extraordinary approaches to public health challeges.
Schooling Kids in Healthy Habits
In Fort Dodge, Iowa, children learn their ABCs, 123s, and keys to healthier living all in the same place -- at school. Wellness programs designed to encourage healthy habits and reduce childhood obesity are embedded into the Fort Dodge Community School District curriculum thanks to an initiative developed by the UI College of Public Health and the city's Trinity Regional Medical Center.
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| Linda Snetselaar talks with school kids about healthy food choices. |
"To improve community health, we believe focusing on youth is a good place to start," said Linda Snetselaar, interim head of the Department of Community and Behavioral Health and the initiative's co-lead investigator along with Lawrence Prybil, professor of health management and policy.
The school programs aim to modify behaviors in addition to educating students. For example, the end-of-the-year event called "Go the Distance Day" buses young students to the football field to perform physical activities as a reminder to remain active during summer break. Other projects focus on nutrition, such as the "Healthy Food Challenge," in which students are entered into a drawing to win prizes when they choose fruits and vegetables at lunch.
The college provides guidance and evaluates the programs so that successful endeavors may be applied in other communities.
“It’s important to form bridges in the community so that we become a part of what is happening there,” Snetselaar said. “Collaborating is going to be what makes a difference in slowing the rate of childhood obesity. As the people who are responsible for making healthy changes, the community needs to be involved in making those changes happen.”