Blythedale-Kohl's Announce Program To Combat Childhood Obesity
Written by Westchester.com
Monday, 09 October 2006
Valhalla, NY - Blythedale Children’s Hospital and Kohl’s Department Stores have announced an innovative outreach program designed to bring health and nutrition education to public schools in Westchester and lower Putnam counties.
The Blythedale Children's Hospital and Kohl's “Eat Well, Be Well Program” offers new educational curriculum, a resource guide and take-home handouts for children. Topics include: pediatric obesity and general nutrition guidelines. Blythedale Children's Hospital will have experts in nutrition and health-education available for speaking with local parenting groups, PTA’s and school personnel.
The “Eat Well, Be Well Program” will reach hundreds of educators and school nurses for grades K-6 and thousands of children ages 5-11 at the majority of public school districts in Westchester and lower Putnam counties. The new program includes Blythedale’s Wellness Fair, its Adolescent Weight and Fitness program, and the hospital’s nutrition and health-education community outreach.
The new program, which is being funded by a $174,699 grant from Kohl’s Department Stores, was announced today at a free community children's event -- "Eat Well, Be Well Wellness Fair" -- hosted by Blythedale Children’s Hospital.
Families and children from throughout the county attended the afternoon event, which featured fun and informative activities for children, parents, caregivers and educators. Topics included weight and fitness, nutrition, health screenings (i.e. vision and blood pressure), cooking, food samples, giveaways donated by Kohl's and other local businesses, hands-on learning and healthy-lifestyle activities.
Sponge Bob Squarepants and “characters” from children’s TV shows were featured at the event. Jay Michaels, morning personality from Westchester‘s WFAS FM 103.9, broadcast from Blythedale from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The Mount Pleasant Police Department offered safety and healthy activities.
Event participants included: Dr. Jo Anne Gorski and Dr. Marianne LaCroce—Blythedale psychologists; Bobby’s Balloon Works; Mead Johnson; Chef Jay Libbon from Mighty Joe Young’s White Plains; Dr. BJ Mistry--pediatric dentist in Tarrytown; Nestle Nutrition; New York Sports Clubs; Dr. Eric Small--nationally recognized expert pediatric/adolescent sports medicine; Sylvan Learning Center; Whole Foods Market; and YMCA and YWCA of White Plains.
The grant from Kohl's Department Stores was raised by net profits from sales of special items at Kohl's nine stores in New York’s Westchester and Putnam counties. Since 2000, Blythedale Children's Hospital has received approximately $1 million (including the new donation) from the Kohl's Cares for Kids Children's Hospital Program – making possible the purchase of specialized children’s medical equipment, hospital renovations, expanded clinical programs and community services.
"Kohl's and the local residents who buy items through the Kohl's Cares for Kids Program have made it possible for Blythedale Children's Hospital to expand its community outreach and education programs including our new initiatives focusing on healthy eating and wellness for children and their families," said Larry Levine, President and CEO of Blythedale Children's Hospital.
“Kohl’s introduced the Kohl’s Cares for Kidsâ program to promote children’s health and educational opportunities, and is committed to playing an active role in the communities we serve,” said Julie Gardner, senior vice president of marketing for Kohl’s Department Stores. “We’re proud of the partnerships we’ve created with children’s hospitals across the country and are excited to join Blythedale Children's Hospital in this important community endeavor.”
Founded more than 100 years ago, Blythedale Children's Hospital has been a leader in developing innovative, multi-disciplinary inpatient and ambulatory programs with rehabilitation as its specialty. The hospital is a community resource for children with a variety of medical concerns -- its inpatient and day hospital programs treat more than 300 children daily, making it one of the largest freestanding children's hospitals in the United States. For more information about Blythedale Children’s Hospital visit
www.blythedale.org
Kohl’s commitment to Blythedale Children's Hospital is made possible through the Kohl’s Cares for Kidsâ program, which raises funds for children’s health and educational opportunities through the sale of special gift items. Net profits from the sales go to support children’s health and educational opportunities in the market areas served by Kohl’s. Kohl’s community outreach also includes Kohl’s Kids Who Careâ, an annual youth volunteer recognition program, fundraising gift cards for local schools and non-profit youth groups, as well as an associate program to encourage volunteerism.
Based in Menomonee Falls, Wis., Kohl’s is a family-focused, value-oriented specialty department store offering moderately priced national, exclusive and private brand apparel, shoes, accessories, home products and beauty in an exciting shopping environment. Kohl’s operates 749 stores in 43 states. For a list of store locations and information, or for the added convenience of shopping online, visit Kohl’s Web site at kohls.com.
Childhood Obesity Fight