Healthy Kids in Healthy Homes

Healthy Kids in Healthy Homes is a childhood health and wellness program that is funded by a grant from Kohl's Stores and operated by Mercy and Memorial Hospitals. The program is free and is targeted at children aged 7 to 11 and their parents/guardians. The program meets 1.5 hours once per week for six weeks.

The class covers nutrition, exercise and self-esteem. Fitness measurements and surveys are given prior to participation in the program and after completion of the program. During the program, participants receive such items as resistance bands, yoga mats, pedometers and more. Finally, a graduation ceremony is held during the last session and children receive a gift which encourages health. The classes are held throughout the county at schools, churches and libraries. All classes are offered in English and Spanish.

To provide children and parents with the education and resources they need to improve their health.

The Healthy Kids in Healthy Homes program has had great success in improving the nutrition and exercise habits of the families and the fitness measures during the 6 week classes. Measures such as BMI, height/weight, flexibility and muscle strength/endurance are tested before and at the conclusion of the program. Results are analyzed using Wellsource software.