March 2018

Citywide day of play returns

PlayROCs Your Neighborhood is back. The Healthi Kids Coalition is hoping it will be bigger than ever.
For the last two years, families have raised awareness of the need for safe and accessible play spaces for every child in every area. Last year during PlayROCs Your Neighborhood, 22 groups worked to bring back play to public spaces in the City of Rochester.
This year's event is set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 21.
Healthi Kids is seeking locations for this year's event. We will provide technical assistance and support. We have some funding for new sites and will provide resources on a first-come, first-served basis.
For details, contact Jenn Beideman at jenn.beideman@commongroundhealth.org or 585-224-3151. Learn more: (http://www.healthikids.org/BeActive/PlayROCs) .

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Walkers and bikers at greater risk in some areas

Every child in the City of Rochester has the right to a safe and accessible place to walk, bike and play. Yet a new data brief from the Healthi Kids team shows some areas are less safe for those on foot and on bikes.
Walkers, runners and bikers from some neighborhoods were more likely to go to emergency departments after car crashes. These areas include Beechwood, Marketview Heights, 14621, Edgerton, Brown Square, JOSANA, Bulls Head and parts of the 19th Ward and other Southwest neighborhoods.
The brief says lowering speed limits on residential streets is one way Rochester could make streets safer.
Take action to help make Rochester's streets safer. Contact Mike Bulger at 585-224-3171 or mike.bulger@commongroundhealth.org.
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Exercise items will support activity in schools
Healthi Kids was recently able to provide exercise equipment to local schools. Items included balance boards, exercise balls, resistance bands, jump ropes, yoga blocks and pickleball sets. The items support Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs for nine Rochester City School District schools including 8, 9, 16, 17, 22, 23, 29, 53 and 57.
As the Healthy School Project Coordinator, Alicia Evans helps schools to develop and implement these programs. These items help make sure all kids can be more physically active. Contact Alicia at 585-224-3172 or Alicia.evans@commongroundhealth.org to learn more.
------------------------------

School event encourages physical activity and good food
Families taste smoothies at the Healthy Family Night at School 17.
School 17's PTO celebrated Healthy Family Night in coordination with CCSI and Healthi Kids. The event helped families to get more active and eat healthier. The Student Leadership Council and volunteers ran a smoothie machine provided by Healthi Kids. Several School 17 partners shared information with families. Finger Lakes Eat Smart NY presented a parent and family nutrition workshop. The High Blood Pressure Collaborative provided free blood pressure checks. The event also got kids and adults moving through Zumba exercises.
Parents learned about healthy eating at the Healthy Family Night at School 17.
------------------------------

Introducing our new team member
Welcome to Stephanie David, who joined our team March 1 as Children's Health Policy Associate. Previously she led the Community Health Improvement Workgroup at the Center for Community Health and Prevention. David has a law degree and a master's degree in public health and a strong background in policy.
David teaches online public health law courses at George Washington University. While a student there, she was a key part of the STOP Obesity consortium. She also was involved in several projects focused on kids, including autism research and intervention. As a mom, she brings to this work her passion for ensuring kids get off to the best start possible. You can contact Stephanie at stephanie.david@commongroundhealth.org and 585-224-3134.
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Share your thoughts on transit
Do you bike, use the bus and use trains in your daily routine?
The city of Rochester wants input on how to make neighborhoods more supportive of active transportation and public transit.
Encouraging biking, buses and trains (https://reconnectrochester.org/2018/02/transit-supportive-development-rochester-ny/) can help promote healthy bodies and minds for kids and adults. By planning jobs, healthcare, stores, parks and other destinations along transit routes, families can use cars less. Safe biking and walking routes and better connections to transit are some ways to support active transportation.
Tell Rochester how to make this happen locally in this survey (https://transitcorridorsroc.metroquest.com/) .
------------------------------

Story Walk featured in KaBOOM!'s playbook
We spy with our own little eye a familiar playful library project featured in the new KaBOOM! Playbook. The Playbook is a guide to turn everyday spaces into "PLAYces." The playbook features the Story Walk at Phillis Wheatley Branch Library (https://www.commongroundhealth.org/neighborhood-unveils-story-walk-at-library) in Rochester. This colorful library has inspired new projects across the city. These include playful sidewalks and new story walks that are being developed. View the playbook here (http://ow.ly/Bgkw30iWtKf) . Read here (https://media4.kaboom.org/app/assets/resources/000/002/697/original/Play-Everywhere-Understanding-Impact-Gehl-Evaluation.pdf) about how projects like these have increased the time kids have played and learned something new.
------------------------------

School breakfast highlighted in March
During National Nutrition Month in March, hunger-fighting agencies noted that many kids who qualify don't eat breakfast at school. Only 32 percent of the 1.6 million students who qualified to eat free or low-cost breakfast ate it at school last school year. Advocates suggested schools could offer breakfast after school starts to close the gap. Learn more (https://hungersolutionsny.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bf68ff14aa53a5404e402619c&id=c5160cda98&e=f3fa811618) .
The Rochester City School District is getting in on the action to make sure students start their day off right. This school year, they received a grant through AASA (http://www.aasa.org/SchoolBreakfast.aspx) to increase participation in alternative breakfast programs from 51% to 75% by the end of the school year. To do this, they are bringing programs like breakfast in the classroom and grab-n-go breakfast to more elementary and secondary schools.
------------------------------

Mark your calendar for Every Child Healthy Week
Every Kid Healthy Week (http://www.actionforhealthykids.org/what-we-do/every-kid-healthy-week#resources) takes place from April 23 to 27. This week shines a light on the efforts schools are making to improve the health and wellness of their students. Nutrition, physical activity, and learning are linked because healthy kids are better prepared to learn. Schools are invited to host an event during Every Kid Healthy Week or anytime in April. Get a toolkit here (http://www.actionforhealthykids.org/storage/documents/EKHW/School_Toolkit_EKHW_2018_v3.pdf) , and plan your event.
------------------------------

Find us on social media for more Healthi Kids updates as we advocate for healthier more active kids in Rochester and Monroe County. Tell us your vision for a Playable Rochester #PlayROCs
(https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOBvQWFCBYPmdGNFxGXH-Nw)

March 2018

Citywide day of play returns

PlayROCs Your Neighborhood is back. The Healthi Kids Coalition is hoping it will be bigger than ever.

For the last two years, families have raised awareness of the need for safe and accessible play spaces for every child in every area. Last year during PlayROCs Your Neighborhood, 22 groups worked to bring back play to public spaces in the City of Rochester.

This year's event is set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 21.

Healthi Kids is seeking locations for this year's event. We will provide technical assistance and support. We have some funding for new sites and will provide resources on a first-come, first-served basis.

For details, contact Jenn Beideman at jenn.beideman@commongroundhealth.org or 585-224-3151.

Walkers and bikers at greater risk in some areas

Walkers, runners and bikers from some neighborhoods were more likely to go to emergency departments after car crashes. These areas include Beechwood, Marketview Heights, 14621, Edgerton, Brown Square, JOSANA, Bulls Head and parts of the 19th Ward and other Southwest neighborhoods.

The brief says lowering speed limits on residential streets is one way Rochester could make streets safer.

Take action to help make Rochester's streets safer. Contact Mike Bulger at 585-224-3171 or mike.bulger@commongroundhealth.org.

Exercise items will support activity in schools

Healthi Kids was recently able to provide exercise equipment to local schools. Items included balance boards, exercise balls, resistance bands, jump ropes, yoga blocks and pickleball sets. The items support Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs for nine Rochester City School District schools including 8, 9, 16, 17, 22, 23, 29, 53 and 57.

As the Healthy School Project Coordinator, Alicia Evans helps schools to develop and implement these programs. These items help make sure all kids can be more physically active. Contact Alicia at 585-224-3172 or Alicia.evans@commongroundhealth.org to learn more.

School event encourages physical activity and good food

Families taste smoothies at the Healthy Family Night at School 17.

School 17's PTO celebrated Healthy Family Night in coordination with CCSI and Healthi Kids. The event helped families to get more active and eat healthier. The Student Leadership Council and volunteers ran a smoothie machine provided by Healthi Kids. Several School 17 partners shared information with families. Finger Lakes Eat Smart NY presented a parent and family nutrition workshop. The High Blood Pressure Collaborative provided free blood pressure checks. The event also got kids and adults moving through Zumba exercises.

Parents learned about healthy eating at the Healthy Family Night at School 17.

Introducing our new team member

Welcome to Stephanie David, who joined our team March 1 as Children's Health Policy Associate. Previously she led the Community Health Improvement Workgroup at the Center for Community Health and Prevention. David has a law degree and a master's degree in public health and a strong background in policy.

David teaches online public health law courses at George Washington University. While a student there, she was a key part of the STOP Obesity consortium. She also was involved in several projects focused on kids, including autism research and intervention. As a mom, she brings to this work her passion for ensuring kids get off to the best start possible. You can contact Stephanie at stephanie.david@commongroundhealth.org and 585-224-3134.

Share your thoughts on transit

Do you bike, use the bus and use trains in your daily routine?

The city of Rochester wants input on how to make neighborhoods more supportive of active transportation and public transit.

Encouraging biking, buses and trains can help promote healthy bodies and minds for kids and adults. By planning jobs, healthcare, stores, parks and other destinations along transit routes, families can use cars less. Safe biking and walking routes and better connections to transit are some ways to support active transportation.

Tell Rochester how to make this happen locally in this survey.

Story Walk featured in KaBOOM!'s playbook

We spy with our own little eye a familiar playful library project featured in the new KaBOOM! Playbook. The Playbook is a guide to turn everyday spaces into "PLAYces." The playbook features the Story Walk at Phillis Wheatley Branch Library in Rochester. This colorful library has inspired new projects across the city. These include playful sidewalks and new story walks that are being developed. View the playbook here. Read here about how projects like these have increased the time kids have played and learned something new.

School breakfast highlighted in March

During National Nutrition Month in March, hunger-fighting agencies noted that many kids who qualify don't eat breakfast at school. Only 32 percent of the 1.6 million students who qualified to eat free or low-cost breakfast ate it at school last school year. Advocates suggested schools could offer breakfast after school starts to close the gap. Learn more.

The Rochester City School District is getting in on the action to make sure students start their day off right. This school year, they received a grant through AASA to increase participation in alternative breakfast programs from 51% to 75% by the end of the school year. To do this, they are bringing programs like breakfast in the classroom and grab-n-go breakfast to more elementary and secondary schools.

Mark your calendar for Every Child Healthy Week

Every Kid Healthy Week takes place from April 23 to 27. This week shines a light on the efforts schools are making to improve the health and wellness of their students. Nutrition, physical activity, and learning are linked because healthy kids are better prepared to learn. Schools are invited to host an event during Every Kid Healthy Week or anytime in April. Get a toolkit here, and plan your event.

Find us on social media for more Healthi Kids updates as we advocate for healthier more active kids in Rochester and Monroe County. Tell us your vision for a Playable Rochester #PlayROCs

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March 2018

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