Olympians help get kids movin’

By Greg Cieslewicz
Communications Specialist
WEA Trust

With chants of “U.S.A., U.S.A.” filling a gym packed with more than 800 students, staff, and guests, Olympians Casey FitzRandolph and Suzy Favor Hamilton kicked off this year’s Movin’ and Munchin’ Schools program on September 19 at Milton Northside Intermediate School. Milton West Elementary School was among the top participating schools last year.

November 2006

The WEA Trust believes one of the best ways to prevent obesity is to teach children healthy habits.

Wisconsin Olympians Casey FitzRandolph and Suzy Favor Hamilton are teaming up this year with the Trust and the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to promote healthy eating and exercise through Movin’ and Munchin’ Schools.

Movin’ and Munchin’ Schools is a DPI program co-sponsored by the Trust. Its goal is to help public schools develop innovative approaches to healthy eating and exercise for children, staff, and families.

As honorary chairpersons, FitzRandolph, a three-time Olympic speed skater and gold medalist, and Favor Hamilton, a three-time Olympic runner and seven-time U.S. national champion, hope to increase participation in the program.

With more than 60% of adults overweight or obese in the United States,weight problems have become epidemic. A study released in September by the Institute of Medicine urges more leadership and coordination between public and private entities in battling this critical health issue.

The Trust’s promotional efforts last school year helped increase participation in Movin’ and Munchin’ by 23%, to 24,500 children and adults, which included 68 schools from 56 districts.

“Programs such as Movin’ and Munchin’ can make a difference in addressing the issues of obesity and a healthy lifestyle,” said Fred Evert,WEA Trust President/CEO.

All participating schools are considered by DPI for awards of up to $500 to use for improving nutrition and physical education programs. If a school is in a Trust-insured district and at least 50% of the staff also participate, the Trust will match DPI’s award.

Healthy living is less costly to us all

Rising health care costs are a national problem. According to figures from the federal government, over the last 40 years health care costs have doubled every eight years.

As an organization created to serve Wisconsin public school employees, the WEA Trust is working on several fronts to help school districts and health plan members control health care costs. One of the best strategies in dealing with the health care cost crisis is living a healthy lifestyle.

Because almost 50% of medical costs are related to lifestyle choices, it makes economic sense to help members identify health risks and avoid them when possible. Chronic diseases (heart disease, stroke, arthritis, and diabetes) are among the most common and costly health problems to treat, but they are also among the most preventable.

The Trust offers a variety of programs to help members limit risks to their health, including an annual health assessment, tobacco cessation, maternity education, cancer screening advice, and flu vaccination, as well as nutrition and exercise programs.

The Trust has also created Partners in Health, an educational campaign to help members understand that it is their money that pays their health insurance costs. If Trust members stay healthy, reduce risks, and use the health care system wisely, they can get better care and help reduce costs at the same time.

Keeping health risks low is the objective, but for those who need medical care, the Trust is committed to helping members get the right care at the right time. Visit the Trust’s Web site at weatrust.com/livewell to learn more about the Trust’s health and wellness programs.

Posted November 11, 2006