American Cancer Society partners with N.Y. state affiliate on program

New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) has partnered with the American Cancer Society to promote the union’s healthy lifestyle program for students, which is called 24/7 Let’s Go! Introduced as a pilot project two years ago, the program encourages schoolchildren to get off the couch, away from their video games and into healthy lifestyles.

“The American Cancer Society’s endorsement underscores how important healthy lifestyles are,” says NYSUT president Richard Iannuzzi, who is also an AFT vice president. “Childhood obesity increases the risk of several types of cancer. We already know it increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes and other health problems. The participation of ACS fits perfectly with our goal of keeping children healthy.”

24/7 Let’s Go! was created by NYSUT’s Health Care Professionals Council, which was alarmed by reports that today’s children exercise less and eat more junk food than ever before. The program was developed for use by teachers, school nurses and healthcare professionals to help them address this national crisis in a fun and interesting way.

“It is critical that we combat childhood obesity on a large scale,” American Cancer Society executive vice president Jeanne Walsh says. “That’s why the American Cancer Society is proud to support NYSUT and the 24/7 Let’s Go! program. We urge educators and parents alike to get kids active and eating right.”

In other school health news, the Alliance for a Healthier Generation is encouraging school officials to help make their schools healthier environments through its Healthy Schools program. The program focuses on making more nutritious foods available in school, creating quality physical and health education,and encouraging physical activity and programs for teachers and other school employees that will help them become healthy role models.

All schools are welcome to join the Healthy Schools Program. Schools can access the Healthy Schools Builder at www.healthiergeneration.org/hsb, which includes best-practice guides, detailed explanations of the Healthy Schools recognition criteria, guidance on aligning food service and vending agreements to alliance guidelines, and tips from experts across the nation. Schools also can get help by calling the alliance support line at 888/543-4584.

The Alliance for a Healthier Generation is a partnership between the American Heart Association and the William J. Clinton Foundation. Its goal is to eliminate childhood obesity and to inspire all young people in the country to develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime.