5,4,3,2,1 Flier  |  Project Brochure  |  Video    

  

The H.I.P. (Healthy, Inspired, Proactive) Kids project is making an impact on childhood obesity in Nebraska!  H.I.P. (Healthy, Inspired, and Proactive) Kids was developed as a signature project based on a community needs assessment in 2003.  With the goal of reversing the upward trend of childhood obesity in Nebraska, the project works to create a community that encourages, promotes and provides healthy eating and activity choices for children.  The project has achieved positive, measurable results over the last four years through community partnerships and the ongoing commitment and dedication of our members to this rising health epidemic.     

  

Our Focus  |  Our Program   

Our Focus:

The focus for H.I.P. Kids is the issue of childhood obesity.  Childhood obesity is a significant and growing health concern.  The percentage of children who are overweight has tripled since 1980.  It is estimated that 16 percent of U.S. children aged six to nineteen are overweight.  Today's children are likely to be the first generation to live shorter, less healthy lives than their parents.  Approximately 25 million children are already obese or overweight.      

·         Nebraska is not one of 17 states that require their school lunches, breakfasts, and snacks to meet higher nutritional standards than the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires.  

·         Nebraska is not one of 22 states that have set nutritional standards for foods sold in vending machines, a la carte, in school stores, or in bake sales in schools, and the state is one of 26 states that limit when and where these foods may be sold on school property beyond federal requirements.  

·         Nebraska is not one of 16 states that screen students' body mass index (BMI) or fitness status and confidentially provide information to parents or guardians. 

  

Being overweight exposes children to serious health problems, now and in the future.  Because overweight children are likely to become overweight adults, they are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes in adulthood.  These chronic diseases are largely preventable and account for two-thirds of all deaths. These and other conditions related to overweight and physical inactivity burden the state's economy with exorbitant and preventable long-term costs.  As the percentage of children who are overweight and physically inactive increases, and as these children age, the health problems they experience will result in growing costs for medical care, lost productivity and human resources.  

   

Our Program:

ü       Awareness & Advocacy:  

·         Advocacy:  Participation in local childhood obesity initiatives.  

·         Community Outreach:  Provide partner schools and community organizations with the supplies they need to promote healthy diets and fitness for their students and parents; working with partner schools on health and wellness programs based on the needs of the school. 

·         Community Events:  Participation in local community events such as Charity Walks, Farmers' Markets and Health Fairs. 

·         Resource:  Researching, compiling and creating educational materials and resources for distribution through printed materials and our website. 

  

ü       Family Nights:  The main area of preventative education for the H.I.P. Kids project is through Family Nights held at local elementary and middle schools.  All elementary schools and middle schools that have participated in family nights have a lower income population serving predominately Hispanic Families.  This was a targeted population based on their risk for childhood obesity.  Family Nights provide an opportunity for families to come together and participate in activities that promote a healthy lifestyle including nutritional and physical fitness education.  The children and families receive a healthy meal while learning about the importance of eating healthy and getting active!  Students participate in interactive stations based on the concept of 5,4,3,2,1 Go! - English, Spanish  

  

The students participate at interactive stations developed by the H.I.P. Kids committee based on this message: 5 Servings of Fruits and Vegetables A Day, 4 Servings of Water A Day, 3 Servings of Low Fat Dairy A Day, 2 Hours or Less of Screen Time A Day, and 1 Hour of Physical Activity A Day.   Other interactive stations include "Make a Healthy Snack", Gardening, Portion Control, and Kids in the Kitchen.  Partner stations and many physical activities are also available.  By completing scavenger hunts related to the stations, students can enter to win a drawing for prizes at the end of the night.  Prizes include bicycles with helmets, scooters with helmets, many sports balls and passes to local events that encourage family physical activity.  After completing a survey, all students receive a goody bag at the end of the evening with educational materials that reinforce the 5,4,3,2,1 Go! message.  The goody bag includes a jump rope, water bottle, tooth brush and tooth paste and other donated items as available.    

 

Parents are encouraged to attend a video presentation on childhood obesity, followed by a nutrition question and answer session with a Registered Dietician.  The video and discussion are held in both English and Spanish and parents are entered into a drawing for grocery gift cards as an incentive to attend.  According to Mrs. Susan Colvin, principal for Bryan Middle School, "The HIP Kids Family Night program was outstanding, thanks to the energy and efforts of The Junior League of Omaha.  The program produces a strong benefit to our school and community by providing family recreational and learning opportunities, badly needed supplies, educational literature and overall support for our Wellness Program."

  

ü       Community Partners:  H.I.P. Kids works with a variety of companies, organizations and non-profits to complement our offerings.    

·         We have partnered with Camp Fire USA for the past two years.  Camp Fire USA has provided the League with a captive target audience for Family Nights through their after school program.    

·         One World Community Health Center has provided dental hygiene information at Family Nights.   

·         Sarpy County Safe Kids has provided station supplies and education on helmet and internet safety.   

·         Hy-Vee Grocery Stores support the program through having registered dieticians available for the parent discussion at Family Nights.   

·         The Nebraska Dairy Council has provided educational materials and financial support of the 3 A Day Dairy station at Family Nights.   

·         Whole Foods, Girl's Inc., Wild Oats, Camp Fire USA and Girl Scouts are all Kids in the Kitchen partners.    

  

ü       Gardening:  Volunteers work with schools and community organizations to provide gardening supplies, curriculum and educate families on the importance of fresh vegetables.  The committee developed an interactive station for Family Nights and we attend several local Farmers' Markets. 

  

ü       Kids in the Kitchen:  This is an Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI) sponsored event, which is held each year during National Nutrition month in March.  The event is geared towards educating children about healthy eating through a fun hands-on cooking class.  The committee also developed an interactive station for Family Nights.  

  

ü       In-League:  Organize, educate and communicate with the Junior League membership to ensure the success of the H.I.P. Kids project.  The committee held the first annual Fitness Challenge in the summer of 2007.