Castle Medical Center - Recipe for Good Health

What is it?

In 2015, Castle Medical Center (CMC) established a partnership with the Kailua Boys and Girls Club that has continued in 2016. The relationship began with a book drive at CMC, soliciting donations for the club. This was followed by a volunteer weekend activity to assist in cleaning and painting at the clubhouse. CMC’s Wellness and Lifestyle Medicine Department began providing cooking classes twice a month at the clubhouse, including over the summer. Classes promote plant-based nutrition in accordance with the tenets of the hospital’s Seventh-Day Adventist heritage, and include: basic nutrition, simple cooking and kitchen tasks, principles of food safety, cooperation, etiquette, and the value of gathering to share the food and socialize.

Program leaders currently are working to expand Recipe for Good Health beyond nutrition to include other lifestyle factors such as physical activity, abstaining from tobacco use (and e-cigarettes), and finding meaningful ways to relax. In June, CMC hosted 28 teen members of the club and staff members for “Passport to Good Health,” a career and personal health-oriented day on the CMC campus that was created to fit into the Boys and Girls Club “Passport to Your Future” summer program. After hearing welcoming remarks from the hospital’s CEO, the group toured the emergency department, physical therapy, laboratory, pathology, and imaging departments for career options. At the Wellness Center, a plant-based lunch from the hospital’s Wellness kitchen was provided; teens then learned about personal health strategies with activities from CMC’s registered dietitian, certified tobacco specialist, and certified fitness specialist. Program leaders plan to make this an annual event.

Who is it for?

Children who belong to the Kailua club, ages 7 to 17. Staff members are welcome to observe and/or participate in the activities.

Why do they do it?

As health care providers, CMC staff recognizes a responsibility to promote and support wellness beyond the walls of the organization, to reach out into the community. The goal is to help children develop healthy lifestyle habits at an early age and receive encouragement and inspiration for the future, thus setting them on the path to a longer, healthier and productive life.

Impact

Each day, 130 youth participate, many from disadvantaged circumstances in the low-income census tract near the clubhouse. To date, program leaders have conducted 20 cooking classes, providing opportunities for 240 children to prepare simple recipes and taste nutritious foods – sometimes new or unfamiliar. Through other activities, such as a special physical activity session, book drive and “Passport to Good Health,” an additional estimated 225 club members have been reached.

Contact: Jasmin Rodriguez
Director, Marketing and Development
Telephone: 808-263-5118
Email: rodrigj2@ah.org