Genesis Health System - Let's Move Davenport

Overview

In collaboration with the City of Davenport and other service organizations, Genesis Health System (GHS) joined First Lady Michelle Obama in the nation’s Let’s Move campaign. Let’s Move is intended to address childhood obesity in a manner that is fun; it is anticipated to have a long-term positive impact on the problem. The campaign has the potential to have a significant impact on children including how they eat and play, how companies market to them, and how children’s health is monitored.

Let’s Move Davenport sponsors numerous programs providing children and parents with the sustainable support and information they need to live more physically active, healthier lives with access to affordable fresh foods. Beginning summer 2010, GHS provided educational speakers to talk with families about diabetes and practicing good nutrition. GHS has also provided personal fitness trainers to exercise with children at citywide and neighborhood events.

Impact

Hundreds of children and their families have participated in Let’s Move Davenport events, including family-friendly festivals that encourage family participation in physical games and activities. The City of Davenport has created an affordable “all-access pass” of recreation opportunities for kids up to 15 years of age, including unlimited golf, swimming, and ice skating, as well as free public transit to reach recreation sites.

Challenges/success factors

The obesity epidemic developed over decades; reversing it may also take many years. Everyone has a role in this community-wide endeavor – from children and parents to cities, schools, and other organizations. For example, cities can participate by making their communities friendly for exercising, walking, and bicycling. Families can be encouraged to play together and taught to plant small-container or urban gardens to help provide affordable, fresh produce for the table. We have seen a noticeable increase in community garden projects by schools, churches, and child care facilities. Schools can replace less healthy items in lunches and vending machines with healthy choices. The financial cost to Genesis Health System has been negligible.

Future direction/sustainability

A comprehensive, sustained effort by parents, businesses, cities, schools, health care providers, and others over a long period will be required. Numerous small steps can be taken immediately. The Let’s Move Davenport social media page provides recommendations and suggestions on where to start and how to progress on the long journey.

Advice to others

The first step is to assess what is already available in your community. What are the needs and who can help respond to the needs? Who is already working with kids and what are they doing that is interesting and innovative? Are the schools replacing less healthy items with healthy items in lunch lines and vending machines? Is the state helping through legislation and funding? And what can we do as a health care organization?

Contact: Craig Cooper
Senior Media Relations Specialist
Telephone: 563-421-9263
E-mail: cooperc@genesishealth.com