Living a healthy lifestyle is catching on with North Dakota schoolchildren. 

Elementary school children in eight schools across North Dakota are learning about good health habits.  The CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) program combines and coordinates health education in the classroom, new physical activity/education programs, and healthier food choices in the cafeteria. 

“CATCH is unique because all school personnel work together to improve children’s health,” said Nancy Vogeltanz-Holm, director of the Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research at the UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences.  “The kids have healthier food choices, fun physical activities, and classroom education that emphasizes lifelong health.”

It seems to be working.  After the first year of the program, the center reports marked improvements in both physical activity and healthy eating among the children.

About 30 percent of the children say that they now watch less television and play fewer video games.  More than a quarter of the students have increased their moderate physical activity, while almost 20 percent have raised their vigorous physical activity.  Their ability to do push-ups, sit-ups, and trunk lifts improved after just one year of the program. 

Nearly half of the 300-plus children in the program know more about healthy foods, and almost 30 percent were eating healthier as well.  Many have increased the amount of dairy, grains, vegetables, and fruits they eat every day, while nearly a quarter of the students cut down on fats and sweets.

“We are very excited to see such positive results after just one year of the program,” said Vogeltanz-Holm.  “The CATCH program has worked well in other U.S. schools, but it is working even better in our North Dakota schools.  Our educators and parents are dedicated and enthusiastic in implementing the program, and we stay in constant communication with them through web-based updates, tips, and progress reports.”

Burlington-Des Lacs, Ellendale, Grafton, Hettinger, Kenmare, Killdeer, Lisbon, and Turtle Mountain community schools are participating in the program.  Center staff members will follow and evaluate the children’s progress for two more years.