Schools

Bryant Middle School to Participate in 'Building Healthy Communities' Program

Students will learn how to make healthy eating decisions through classroom instruction.

Bryant Middle School was one of 28 schools across Michigan to be selected to participate in the 2013-2014 Building Healthy Communities program.

The program is a partnership between Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the Michigan Fitness Foundation, United Dairy Industry of Michigan, University of Michigan and Wayne State University. It helps establish healthy lifestyles among schoolchildren and creates healthy school environments.

“The University of Michigan’s Project Healthy Schools, a middle school-based program designed to reduce childhood obesity and its long-term health risks, is excited to work with so many partners across the state that share the goal of creating healthy school environments and helping students form heart-healthy habits from an early age,” said Dr. Kim Eagle, director of the Samuel and Jean Frankel Cardiovascular Center for UM Health System.

“The long-term benefits of the Building Healthy Communities program cannot be overstated in terms of its potential to improve the overall health of our citizens today and into the future; reduce health care costs that will benefit all of us; and help generations of Michiganders live healthier, more successful lives.”

The Building Healthy Communities program educates students through classroom lessons and provides opportunities for physical activity during and after school and improves access to healthy food and beverages for elementary and middle school students.

“Congratulations to all the schools that will take part over the next year in our programs designed specifically to help students in elementary and middle schools learn healthy behaviors and practice those lessons in an environment that makes the healthy choice the easy choice,” said Shannon Carney Oleksyk, registered dietitian and healthy living advisor for BCBSM’s social mission.

“All the evidence and data show that when children are healthier, they are more likely to succeed in the classroom and beyond. These programs encourage children to make healthy choices at a young age, laying the foundation for a healthier, stronger Michigan future," Oleksyk said.

For more information, visit www.bcbsm.com/buildhealth.


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