NEW HOPE, Minn. -- A Minnesota-based program that aims to improve child and family health is getting national attention for its effectiveness.
Johns Hopkins Hospital is among the organizations that have recognized the Allina Hospitals & Clinics Power by the Hour program as a promising way to promise a healthy lifestyle.
"The goal was to improve the health of kids in our community," program creator Susan Nygaard said. "Help them engage in activity and learn more about nutrition."
This past school year, the number of participating sites reached 40, up from just one school in 2005. This summer the YMCA is using the concept at 40 youth program sites for what it calls the Summer Power program.
"It gives us the opportunity to have kids get active," Stephanie Thomas of the YMCA said. "Get their heart rate up and learn that fitness is an important part of their life.
Power by the Hour is designed for five to 12 year old kids. As the name suggests, it is a 60 minute program. The first 30 minutes are dedicated to nutrition education. The second half of Power by the Hour is for physical activities like jumping rope, sit-ups and games of tag.
Allina provides the Power by the Hour curriculum within its service areas free of charge. Interested organizations can contact Nygaard at powerbythehour@allina.com. More information can be found at allina.com/community.
There is more information about the Y's programs on the YMCA's website.
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