Health is a popular topic in the United States right now, and probably with good reason considering data concerning obesity rates. According to figures available from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of severe obesity has quadrupled from 1 in 200 Americans in 1986, to 1 in 50 in 2000. Obesity in children has increased nearly 12 percent during that time period. Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer, and type 2 diabetes.
The Colorado Health Foundation is one organization seeking to improve general health, specifically working to make Colorado the healthiest state in the nation. By collaborating with various individuals and organizations, Colorado Health Foundation strives to utilize available resources and overcome barriers to better health.
Recently staff members have been conducting visits in rural parts of the state observing healthy practices at schools and community centers in an effort to gather information. Due in part to an editorial by Fowler Elementary Principal, Steven Grasmick, published in the Denver Post last winter, Colorado Health Foundation chose Fowler School District as one of their visit sites.
During their visit, members stated Fowler Elementary School is one of the few public schools still offering a daily physical education class and two recesses. Many schools have only one recess period and are eliminating or reducing physical education. In addition to that Fowler recently changed midday recess making it available before lunch rather than after. Grasmick says the change has been positive, “Students eat a better lunch, drink more milk and there are less discipline issues on the playground and in the classroom.”
A climbing wall and fitness trail have also been installed at the school over the last two years giving students and the community even more fitness options. Overall, Fowler School District maintains and encourages a healthy lifestyle for local children. This in turn creates a firm base of health for the community. As Colorado Health Foundation works to make Colorado the healthiest state in the nation, Fowler appears to be doing their part to help.
