Tallahassee— April 25-29 is Every Kid Healthy^TM Week and the Florida Department of Health in Leon County is hosting an event at Imagine School at Evening Rose in Tallahassee, FL to promote and celebrate their school’s wellness achievements. This week, local health offices statewide are partnering with schools to host events related to nutrition, physical activity and learning.  

“We all want our children to enjoy a long and healthy life. Together we can work to ensure that there are safe places to be active and healthy food available, leading to long-term benefits including a decrease in overweight and obesity in Florida’s children,” said Claudia Blackburn, Health Officer for DOH-Leon.

Launched nationally by Action for Healthy Kids in 2013, Every Kid Healthy Week is an annual observance held in the last week of April that shines a spotlight on the great efforts schools are making to improve the health and wellness of their students. The observance also provides an opportunity for everyone in the country to get involved by supporting sound nutrition, regular physical activity and health-promoting programs in schools. 

Imagine School at Evening Rose will be celebrating by offering a week long physical activity challenge. Each class will be competing against other classes in their grade to earn the most active minutes for the week. These active minutes can be achieved through Physical Education Class, recess, and any activity completed at home. Winning students will receive Healthiest Weight prizes and free dress down days. Throughout the week students will get an opportunity to try yoga classes, obstacle courses, and running relays during P.E. class. This week will encourage young students to find an enjoyable way to live a healthy active lifestyle.

Unhealthy weight puts children at risk for a variety of health complications and chronic diseases. Evidence shows students who eat right and are physically active in school learn healthy lifelong habits and are better equipped to succeed academically.

Teachers, parents, and individuals who want to learn and get involved can visit http://www.healthiestweightflorida.com/activities/every-kid.html and Every Kid Healthy Week.

About Action for Healthy Kids®

Action for Healthy Kids is the nation’s leading nonprofit and volunteer network fighting childhood obesity and undernourishment by helping schools become healthier places where kids learn to eat right, be active every day, and better prepared to learn and succeed academically. Action for Healthy Kids reaches nearly 12.9 million students in 29,000 schools with the help of 80,000 volunteers and champions. Learn more at www.ActionforHealthyKids.org, on Facebook and on Twitter.

About Healthiest Weight Florida

Healthiest Weight Florida is a public-private collaboration bringing together state agencies, not-for-profit organizations, businesses and entire communities to help Florida's children and adults make consistent, informed choices about healthy eating and active living. To learn more about how to be active and make nutritious food choices, visit http://www.healthiestweightflorida.com/.

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About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.