Grant will be used to continue the Kohl’s CARDIAC Kids program, and identify children at risk for obesity and heart disease
Springfield, Mo., Nov. 20, 2012 — Children from Pleasant View Elementary in Springfield attended an assembly today to learn about staying heart healthy – in a kid-friendly way. It was the kick-off to a renewed partnership between Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals of CoxHealth and Kohl’s Cares that aims to identify children at risk for obesity and heart disease, and teach them and their families how to live a healthier lifestyle.
Childhood obesity has become an epidemic in the United States, and southwest Missouri is not immune. Poor eating habits, improper nutrition and a lack of exercise can lead to serious health problems as children grow. With the $45,155 donation from Kohl’s Cares®, CMN Hospitals is continuing the Kohl’s CARDIAC Kids program, which will work to fight the childhood obesity epidemic through a variety of fun events aimed at children ages 5-18 and their families. Through the program at-risk children and adolescents will be identified and will be able to participate in a number of fun events with their families, where they can learn more about living a healthy life.
Last year, the first year for the collaboration, nearly 2600 children and their families participated in Kohl’s CARDIAC Kids events, which included education and health screenings. Through the health screenings, 177 participating children were found to be overweight or at risk for becoming overweight and 190 children were found to be at risk for high blood pressure. These children and their families received follow-up education including healthy, kid-friendly recipes, exercises and more. Last year’s results will be compared to those obtained in 2013, and analyzed for trends.
“We know childhood obesity is a widespread and dangerous problem. Thanks to Kohl’s Cares®, we’re able to make a real impact on the health of area children, teaching them about exercise, nutrition and healthy choices in a fun and engaging way,” says Lauren Holland, CoxHealth Health and Wellness educator and Kohl’s CARDIAC Kids coordinator.
Kohl's commitment to CoxHealth and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals is made possible through the Kohl's Cares® cause merchandise program. Through this initiative, Kohl’s sells $5 books and plush toys where 100 percent of net profit benefits children’s health and education programs nationwide, including hospital partnerships like this one. For more information, visit www.Kohls.com/Cares.
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