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Local Students Work Toward A Healthier Future

By Ryan Mims

February 04, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Ryan Mims                          February 4, 2015 (850) 892-8040 ext. 1159

LOCAL STUDENTS WORK TOWARD A HEALTHIER FUTURE
~DOH-Walton Provides Nutrition Education to High School~

WALTON COUNTY— The Florida Department of Health in Walton County (DOH-Walton), students and
teachers at Walton High School are making strides in promoting healthy behaviors. Through the HOPE
(Health Opportunities through Physical Education) classes at Walton High, teachers and school
health nurses made positive steps in promoting physical activity and nutritional awareness with
over 350 participating students. Each student made healthy goals for the school year and the
students’ progress toward their goals are evaluated each nine-week session.

Of the participating students, 255 students attended both screenings during the first semester to
determine their progress toward their goals. Of these, 78 percent maintained a normal body mass
index (BMI) or made positive progress toward their goal. Of the 255 students, 130 were considered
to be underweight, overweight or obese. Of those underweight, 71 percent made positive progress
toward their goal weight, and 59 percent of those overweight or obese made progress toward their
goal.

The School Health Program at DOH-Walton has adopted the 5-2-1-0 curriculum when promoting healthier
lifestyle choices with Walton County students.

•    5 or more fruits and vegetables a day. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables provides vitamins
and minerals, important for supporting growth and development, and for optimal immune function.

•    2 hours or less of recreational screen time a day. Screen time includes TV, computer, and
gaming consoles. All are important to limit.

•    1 hour or more of physical activity a day. Let the physical activity be fun. This could
include taking a walk with your family, playing with your pet, riding your bike, dancing to music,
taking the stairs or parking the car at the end of the parking lot.

•    0 sugary drinks, more water and low-fat milk. This simple step can have a big impact on your
health and your family’s health. Water is fuel for your body! It is the best choice before, during,
and after physical activity. Sugary drinks include sodas, sports drinks, fruit drinks and juice.

“5-2-1-0 is a fantastic guideline on how to make healthier choices every day,” says Holly Holt,
DOH-Walton Administrator. “The 5-2-1-0 message isn’t just for students but is also for the adults
that want to make their future healthier.”

The School Health Program is a collaborative effort between DOH-Walton and the Walton County School
District to improve the health of Walton County students and improve students’ success in school.

The Department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through
integrated state, county and community efforts. Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on
Facebook. For more information  about the Florida Department of Health, please visit
www.floridahealth.gov.
about the Florida Department of Health, please visit www.floridahealth.gov.
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