North Hawaii Community Hospital is looking to change the conversation from healing sickness to health prevention with a nutrition and education outreach program that teaches North Hawaii students through a hands-on, holistic approach.
North Hawaii Community Hospital is looking to change the conversation from healing sickness to health prevention with a nutrition and education outreach program that teaches North Hawaii students through a hands-on, holistic approach.
“Encouraging healthy living through a holistic approach is the foundation of our mission,” said NHCH Chief Medical Officer Gary Goldberg. “With the creation of this revolutionary new program, we are living our commitment to our community by providing tools and education that enable one to make healthy choices to live healthier lives.”
During the past year, more than 100 North Hawaii students ages 5 to 13 participated in NHCH’s nutrition and education outreach program. Topics covered include the various food groups, the effect food has on the body, that “you are what you eat,” how to read a food label, appropriate meal and snack portions and how food can help prevent diseases, in addition to engaging in hands-on food preparations.
“After learning about healthy nutrition, students get to go into the kitchen and prepare a snack, putting into action what they just learned,” said Laurie Edmondson, community outreach coordinator who developed and spearheads the program.
Working in collaboration with Kanu o ka ‘Aina New Century Public Charter School, the hospital’s nutrition and education outreach pilot program was launched in spring 2014, teaching 15 students in grades 6-8 the relationship and impact nutrition has on leading a healthy life.
“Our students learned about health, wellness, healthy snacks, diet and nutrition,” said Te Benioni, program manager at Kanu o ka ‘Aina New Century Public Charter School. “The day Laurie discussed reading labels to learn the amount of sugar in almost everything was eye-opening for students. Many were surprised at how much sugar is in a bottle of soda.”
The program has grown into an eight-week after-school class and six- to eight-week summer school opportunity for keiki in grades 1-6 at Kanu. Versions of the program also will be introduced at Waimea Country Day School and North Kohala Village Hub in Kohala.