Now comes the nutritional confessional.
Heart disease, obesity, hypertension and diabetes rule in West Virginia.
After all, this is the place, where in some quarters, it just isn’t considered a meal – unless it comes batter-fried, in a takeout container.
Don’t tell that to the students of North Elementary School and Brookhaven Elementary School, however.
These days, they’re out to change the recipe. And they’re earning state accolades for the effort.
North and Brookhaven just placed second and third, respectively, in the inaugural West Virginia Healthy Habits Schools Challenge.
The state’s departments of Education and Health launched it in August with the help Aetna Better Health West Virginia.
Woodsdale Elementary in Wheeling took top honors in the competition.
Schools were required to present videos showcasing all the work they’re doing in the cause of the above.
“Our schools around West Virginia are filled with unbelievable creativity,” Gov. Jim Justice said in August.
“I know everybody will have incredible ideas for the contest,” the governor continued.
For its video North showcased its signature vegetable gardens – where what gets grown, gets put on the salad bar at lunch.
Brookhaven’s popular “Family Fitness Night” had a starring role in its video.
The top schools were also presented with cash awards for their work.
Top prize was $2,500. Second and third brought home $1,000 and $500.
Dr. Sherri Young, the Department of Health secretary, said she wants to see more positive sequels to those videos in coming years.
A total of 27 schools across the state entered videos for this one.
Next year she’s hoping for schools from all 55 counties.
“We encourage all schools to get creative with this contest and show West Virginia and the world all the amazing things they are doing to stay healthy,” she said.
And if you’re healthy, she said, you can name your price on the quality of life ledger.
“This initiative empowers schools to continue making meaningful impacts of the health of their communities,” the health secretary said.
