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Ottawa County Health Department

Nutrition and Wellness

Childhood Fitness | Safe Routes to School | Ottawa County Food Policy Council | Farmers Market Promotion Program | Resources

Childhood Fitness – “Fit for A Kid”

Ottawa County, like the rest of the nation, is faced with the challenge of reducing rates of obesity among children. Overweight children and adolescents are at risk for health problems during their youth and as adults. Studies have shown that overweight youth are more likely to become obese as adults. In addition, overweight youth are at greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes.

The Health Department is committed to reducing childhood obesity with the "Fit for a Kid" project. The project includes Body Mass Index measurement projects and a series of educational handouts and resources.

Body Mass Index Measurement Projects

Although it was suspected that local childhood obesity rates would follow national trends, until 2005, there was no information to verify this. The health department measured the body mass index of elementary school aged children in Ottawa County. The most recent study found that 9% of the sampled students were classified as obese and 14% were classified as overweight.

Measuring Body Mass Index

Are you wondering about your child's weight status? One of the best places to find out if your child is obese or at risk for becoming obese is your family doctor. Ask for a Body Mass Index Screening at your child's next check-up. Your doctor can help you examine Body Mass Index (BMI) scores, family risk factors, and lifestyle to determine if your child is at risk. You can also use the BMI Calculator to determine your child's BMI.

Handouts & Resources

Even if your child is not overweight or obese, it is important to encourage healthy eating and activity in every child. The handouts below offer tips to build healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

Safe Routes to School

Safe Routes to School teaches children to build physical activity in to their day by encouraging all children, including those with disabilities, to walk, bike, and roll to school. Walking and biking to school have declined significantly over the last several decades with more students riding on the bus or in an automobile. When children participate in regular physical activity, the risk for chronic disease is reduced and academic performance can be enhanced. According to the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, youth need an hour of physical activity a day. Regular walking and biking to school increases daily physical activity levels of children and builds healthier communities. For more information about the Ottawa County Health Department's Safe Routes to School initiatives contact Kim Kooyers at 616-393-5799. Learn more about the statewide program at http://saferoutesmichigan.org/

Ottawa County Food Policy Council ocfpc

The Ottawa County Food Policy Council (OCFPC) is a group of local agencies, organizations and other stakeholders assuring low-income residents' access to healthy food. The Vision: An available supply of well-balanced meals for all. The OCFPC has a three year Strategic Plan and is currently focused on:

  • improving the level of cooperation between food resource providers;
  • improving food quality in the non-profit food distribution system;
  • increasing food resources to meet the needs of those with dietary restrictions, medical conditions and ethnic preferences;
  • expanding access to farmers markets;
  • addressing food availability issues for children outside of school; and
  • strengthening the OCFPC.

The OCFPC meets on a quarterly basis, and the OCFPC Subcommittees meet monthly. For more information or to get involved with the OCFPC, visit www.feedingottawa.org or contact Lisa Uganski @ luganski@miottawa.org or 616-393-5770. 

Farmers Market Promotion Program

Bridge card holders can now make purchases at the Holland Farmers Market. You can also find detailed information about the Holland Farmers Market, including location and hours of operation at www.hollandfarmersmarket.com. Funding for this was provided by the USDA’s Farmers Market Promotion Program. Find other markets at mifma.org. 

Not sure if you qualify for a Bridge Card? Visit www.michigan.gov/mibridges to determine if you are eligible and to apply for benefits.

Resources

www.healthykidshealthyfuture.org
Let's Move! Childcare is about helping to prevent early childhood obesity.

www.wholefamilyottawa.com
Whole Family Connection is a free, anonymous, on-line information and referral system to help you identify your needs and link you to services.

www.wm-alliance.org/parks_recreation.php
The site lists more than 123,000 acres of parks, trails, and other recreation areas located within the eight-county region that includes Allegan, Barry, Kent, Ionia, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, and Ottawa counties.

www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org
Information about fruit and vegetables. Including ideas and healthy recipes to ensure fruits and vegetables are included in your meal plan.

www.choosemyplate.gov
Offers personalized eating plans and interactive tools to help you plan/ assess your food choices based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

www.actionforhealthykids.org
Action for Healthy Kids is a nationwide initiative dedicated to improving the health and educational performance of children through better nutrition and physical activity in schools.

www.letsmove.gov
America's Move to Raise a Healthier Generation of Kids.

wecan.nhlbi.nih.gov
We Can! (Ways to Enhance Children's Activity & Nutrition) is a national movement designed to give parents, caregivers, and entire communities a way to help children 8 to 13 years old stay at a healthy weight.

www.greatstartshere.org
Great Start of Ottawa County works with families and communities to identify needs, maintain resources and creatively seek solutions to existing gaps for families with young children. The site offers parents a means to find child care and offers child care providers information about training.

www.outdoordiscoverycenter.org
Help your children get connected with nature at Outdoor Discovery Center- The No Child Left Inside Initiative.

www.mayoclinic.com/health/healthy-recipes/RecipeIndex
Offers hundreds of healthy recipes.

https://www.supertracker.usda.gov/default.aspx 
Get your personalized nutrition and physical activity plan, track your progress, and get tips and support.

recipefinder.nal.usda.gov
Search the database of recipes submitted by nutrition and health professionals and organizations.

Main Office

12251 James Street
Holland, MI 49424
Phone: (616) 396-5266
FAX: (616) 393-5643
Clinic FAX: (616) 393-5659
Monday - Friday:
8:00am - 5:00pm


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Other Locations

Grand Haven
16920 Ferris Street
Grand Haven, MI 49417
Phone: (616) 846-8360
FAX: (616) 844-1778
Monday, Wednesday, Friday:
8pm-12pm & 1pm-5pm

Hudsonville
3100 Port Sheldon Road
Hudsonville, MI 49426
Phone: (616) 669-0040
FAX: (616) 669-3039
Monday, Wednesday, Friday:
8am-12pm & 1pm-5pm