Catawba Valley Medical Center - Healthy House

What is it?

Since 2008, Healthy House has been teaching a holistic model of healthy living through observational and participatory learning in a teaching kitchen, activity rooms, outdoor court, and sustainable garden.

Who is it for?

Socioeconomically disadvantaged children at risk for obesity in Catawba County and surrounding areas.

Why do they do it?

The program's goal is that modeling conscious, healthy lifestyle choices in a real-life setting will translate into healthy behaviors in the home and community.

Impact

After year two, 47.3 percent of participants had maintained or decreased their BMI, 98.2 percent improved endurance, and 67.3 percent improved flexibility. Participants eat more fruits and vegetables, and engage in less screen time. Approximately 900 children have been through the program - which is also the model for the new "Healthy Hospital" employee wellness initiative.

Contact: H. Vondell Clark, MD, MPH
Medical Director, Healthy House
Telephone: 828-326-3412
E-mail: vclark@catawbavalleymc.org