Steps Local Stories
Workshop and Contest Urge Students to Improve Access to Healthy Food
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With recent data showing over a quarter of Clark County 8th graders as overweight or obese, area leaders are coming together to urge healthier habits for students, starting right where teens shop most — the student store. A countywide contest sponsored by Community Choices 2010's Steps to a Healthier Clark County will offer $5,000 to the top student-led campaign to promote healthier, nutritious products in their student store.
The contest was announced this last Wednesday at a half-day Steps workshop attended by over 70 student leaders from four county school districts. Students heard from keynote Dr. Monica Dixon about how nutrition impacts kids' health now and into the future, sampled popular nutritious products, and learned about socially responsible marketing. The Healthy Student Store Marketing Challenge was designed to put this new knowledge to action.
“Unfortunately, studies prove that most kids don't make healthy food choices simply because they are good for their body,” said Kristine Perry, youth and community coordinator for CC2010. “Instead, kids choose based on three things — taste, affordability, and convenience.”
To put the question of taste to the test, students sampled a variety of nutritious snacks from vendors including Odwalla Juice Company, Sunrise Bagels and More, Portland Roasting Dr. Smoothie, Gorge Delights, Inc., and United Natural Foods.
The Student Store Marketing Challenge aims to motivate student store leaders to develop a healthier, more nutritious product mix for their customers. To qualify, schools are required to submit an initial application by December 15, 2006, available for download here.
To participate, each school must design and implement a marketing campaign for the schools' student store that highlights nutritious offerings that meet the schools' nutrition guidelines; (2) Conduct an educational - campaign in conjunction with a store promotion to highlight the benefit of a healthy lifestyle; (3) Research students' attitudes toward healthy food options and determine the benefits of the educational campaign.
Clark County Board of Commissioners Approves Nutrition Policy
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If the term "worksite wellness" conjures up visions of virus-free computers, copy machines that actually work, and an efficient mailroom, it's time to think again!
For Community Choices 2010, Steps to a Healthier Clark County, our community partners and participating employers around Clark County, "worksite wellness" means healthy employees supported by a worksite culture, policies and practices that promote health.
At Clark County facilities, employees have been celebrating a giant step forward in worksite wellness since May 30, 2006. That was when the Clark County Board of Commissioners approved a first-ever nutrition policy.
The policy doesn't dictate what individual employees may eat, drink or bring to the worksite for special occasions. Rather, the policy aims to ensure that healthy options are available for purchase at County facilities and provides guidelines for healthy food and beverage choices at county-funded meetings, trainings and events. The policy calls for low-fat foods that are also limited in salt and sugar. Whole grain and organic products are also encouraged. Instead of the usual "meeting fare" of doughnuts or cookies, the policy suggests fresh produce, nuts, or fruit.
"Approval of this policy appears to be supporting a culture where it is acceptable to bring fruit to meetings or offer a bowl of pretzels instead of candy at your desk," notes James Lanz, RN, PHN, Clark County Center for Community Health. "One employee brought a platter of his favorite fruit - grapefruit slices - to share on his birthday instead of cake. Little positive changes throughout our worksite seem to be supporting the choice to change individual behavior as well."
Although the policy required quite an investment of time and energy - from an initial employee survey, to drafting the policy, to reviews by the Health Department and finally the commissioners - it was well worth it. The new policy sets a "gold standard" for health where minimal support existed before.
Now, if only that copy machine keeps working!
Walkaround Guide Introduced
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On Thursday, April 6 th Clark County leaders gathered to sign off on the Trail and Bikeway Systems Plan, introduce the new Clark County Walkaround Guide and demonstrate support for a healthy livable community. Youth from the community were also present to witness this historic moment and affirm their commitment to a health lifestyle.
Lewis and Clark re-enactors presented the Lewis and Clark Legacy Project, Clark County Trail and Bikeway Systems Plan to the Clark County Commissioners in a signing ceremony. The date had historic significance in the context of the region's trail system: it was April 6, 18 06 that Lewis and Clark made their final departure from Clark County.
Community Choices 2010 introduced the new Clark County Walkaround Guide. This friendly portable publication features maps and information about walking or biking on 25 Clark County trails and walking areas. The Walkaround Guide was produced and funded by Community Choices 2010's Steps to a Healthier Clark County grant and a generous grant from Kaiser Permanente. Commemorative 1 st editions Walkaround Guides were provided to attendees at the event.
Children from Rise and Stars Community Center and the Clark County Family YMCA lead a group walk on the Columbia River Renaissance Trail to start their journey to a healthy lifestyle.
Community Leaders: Barbe West , Community Choices 2010; Phil Wu M. D., Kaiser Permanente; Ron Arp, Nautilus Inc.; John Deeder, Evergreen Public Schools and John Weisman, Clark County Health Department gave their support to the Trail and Bikeway Systems Plan, and challenged other community leaders to do their part in building a safe, healthy livable community. "The Trails Plan is one piece of the community's efforts to set a framework that supports an environment that assures the healthy choice is the easy choice when it comes to access to physical activity," said Barbe West , Executive Director of Community Choices 2010.
Nutrition Month Served Up In Style
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March is National Nutrition Month throughout the United States. Here in Clark County, Community Choices 2010 has teamed up with local members of the American Dietetic Association and several community partners to promote healthy eating at a series of informative, enjoyable events throughout the month.
"Encouraging our community to eat healthier foods - especially fruits and vegetables - is a primary goal of Community Choices 2010 and Steps to a Healthier Clark County," notes Cheryl Pfaff, Initiatives Coordinator for Community Choices. "We are very excited about joining with local dietitians to sponsor events that communicate this message in a fun and delicious way."
Events are scheduled at the Healthy Steps Clinic, the Battleground Family Resource Center and the Vancouver Farmer's Market.
Providing information to the public about the importance of including fruits and vegetables at every meal is a primary goal of local Nutrition Month events. "Sometimes people avoid using fresh produce because they think it costs too much, spoils too quickly, or is difficult to prepare," notes Tricia Mortell, R.D., WIC/Nutrition Program Manager for Clark County Health Department and president of the Southwest Washington Dietetic Association. "Participants will get lots of great ideas on how easy it can be to eat 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables daily."
Thanks to a grant from the Washington State Dietetic Association, a sample of free produce will be provided to each participant at the Healthy Steps and Battleground Family Resource Center events. In addition, registered dietitians will answer questions and discuss tips for purchasing, storing and preparing produce. Kids' activities will include veggie puppet entertainment and crafts.
Information about the Steps-funded "Winner's Circle Healthy Dining Program" will also be available at Nutrition Month events. Winner's Circle is a program that recognizes healthy eating opportunities anywhere people dine away from home - in the workplace, at school, from vending machines and at restaurants. Watch for more information about Winner's Circle in coming months!
Tips for Packing Produce into Your Life
Web-links for More Nutrition Information
Vancouver School District Receives an Honorable Mention
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Vancouver School District received an honorable mention and $1000 from the state-wide School Board Challenge award from the Children's Alliance .
With the new state mandated physical activity and nutrition policies that took affect August, 2005 and similar Federal legislation coming down the pike in June, 2006, Clark County schools are keeping busy. Four out of nine Clark County school districts are also getting support through Steps to a Healthier Clark County grants.
Battleground, Camas, Evergreen and Vancouver School Districts were awarded a total of $69,500 to assist with the implementation process of these new policies. Funds are being used for nutrition and physical activity curriculum, School Health Index assessments, and supporting school health advisory councils and teen advocacy clubs through training, technical assistance and resource materials.
Most of these districts are facing similar challenges to meet the requirements. Key school leaders have formed a partnership to share updates and successes, exchange resources and ideas and assist each other in challenges that arise. "It's a great opportunity to work together with other district leaders in making a commitment to improving the school nutrition and physical activity environment," said Tanis Knight, Assistant Superintendent at Camas School District .
One challenge is the fear of revenue loss from replacing unhealthier food options to healthier ones in vending machines and student-run stores which support a wide range of school programs and activities. One major marketing strategy is examining student taste buds by finding out what types of healthy options they will purchase. The Northwest Healthy Foods Expo on Wednesday, February 8 th from 10:00am -3:00pm at the Puyallup Fairgrounds in Puyallup , WA is one great way to preview healthy choices. This free event will offer tasty food samples from over 50 food vendors that distribute healthy food options tailored for vending machines and student-run stores. For more information about the expo contact Amy Ellings from the Washington State Department of Health at 360-236-3754 or amy.ellings@doh.wa.gov
At last year's expo it was exciting to see students eagerly sampling healthy foods and hearing them comment about items they would purchase if sold at their school," said Ellen Boggs, Director of Health, PE and Athletics at Vancouver School District.
Tobacco Free Parks and Smoke-free Indoor Public Places
Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation hosted an unveiling of signs designed by local children, designating playgrounds, ballgames, beaches, restrooms and concerts in parks “tobacco-free”. The children who drew the signs unveiled their work November 15 at Esther Short Park in Vancouver. The Tobacco Free Parks Policy was drafted by the Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission in February, and was recently adopted via resolution by both the Clark County Board of Commissioners and the Vancouver City Council. 
The policy requests voluntary compliance in keeping specific areas in the city and county parks free of smoke, as well as litter and residue associated with tobacco use. The signs, to be installed in city and county parks, utilize art by local children and are accompanied by a request to keep the area tobacco-free.
New Law Prohibiting Indoor Smoking
Washington will become the 10th state to implement a comprehensive statewide law prohibiting smoking in all indoor public places on December 8, 2005. Last month residents voted to amend the 1985 Clean Indoor Air Act. Initiative Measure 901 will expand the definition of "public place" to include a reasonable distance around each public facility, defined as 25 feet from entrances, exits, windows that open, and ventilation intakes that serve an enclosed area where smoking is prohibited. The definition of “public place” includes private residences used to provide licensed childcare, foster care, adult care, or similar social services. The definition would also be expanded to include the following types of facilities: schools, bars, taverns, bowling centers, skating rinks, casinos, reception areas, and at least 75% of the sleeping quarters within a hotel or motel and rented to guests. The Clark County Health Department has set up an information line for the public to call with questions. Calls are retrieved and returned each business day, at 360.397.2550. The Tobacco Prevention and Education Program will hold two education forums to help business owners and managers learn how they can implement the changes (see below). Check the Washington State Department of Health web site for more information on I-901.
My Story: John Knapp
My life has been made significantly better through daily walks and healthy eating. During the 1990’s my weight skyrocketed to over 400lbs. I developed life-threatening illnesses related to obesity. I had a bad case of Type 2 diabetes and took two heavy doses of medication three times daily to control a blood sugar level that was over three times normal. I had an even worse case of obstructive sleep apnea. I was told after a sleep study that I had stopped breathing in my sleep over 120 times in one hour.
In 2001 the Padden Park Expressway was built and a wonderful path was built right along side of it. I decided to begin a modest exercise program, and promised myself I’d walk 30 minutes a day, at least 4 days a week. I began to see immediate benefits. I slowly lost weight and began increasing the amount of time I walked. Now I walk most days of the week 45 minutes to an hour each day.
My weight now stays between 180-185 pounds. I no longer have to take diabetes medication and my blood sugar is normal. My blood pressure and sleep apnea problems have improved, too. Some days, I even have enough energy to ride my bike back and forth to work.
I've been blessed. I was allowed the privilege recently of turning 51 years old. I seriously doubt I would have had the opportunity, the dramatic health turnaround, or the successful maintenance of my health, without great city planning and the thoughtful addition of an off road walking trail near my home. It literally saved my life.
John Knapp
Sifton Neighborhood
Community Solutions Healthy Steps
Shucking corn for Community Solutions Healthy Steps Celebration Night held at the end of June. The twenty-odd participants of Steps to a Healthier Clark County gathered at the Community Solutions Center in Hazel Dell to celebrate three months of weight loss, mind set changes and goals met for a healthier and more active lifestyle. They were rewarded with a three course meal, door-prizes, gifts and give-aways as well as the personal satisfaction of having completed the program and made positive changes in their lives.
Bike Safety Club
Kids in Minnehaha Elementary School's after school Bike Safety Club are learning bicycling skills and riding to destinations in the neighborhood of their school this spring. Along with kids from low-income families in three other Vancouver area schools, the Bike Club members work towards earning a bike, helmet and lock by learning bike safety and maintainance skills. Bike Safety Club is a program of the Community Cycling Center, and sponsored by STEPS to a Healthier US. It is designed to empower kids who would like to get around by bike by giving them skills, tools and inspiration they need to choose this healthy activity.
Diabetes Walk
Participants teamed up and joined the American Diabetes Association for American's Walk for Diabetes on Saturday, May 14th at Esther Short Park. They walked through Fort Vancouver and along the Waterfront Trail, and enjoyed refreshments and family festivities throughout the day.