Summary of the Twin Falls, Idaho, South Central
Head Start's Wellness Program
by Donna Suhr, Head Start Director, South Central
The South Central Head Start in Twin Falls, Idaho, wanted to find ways to increase parent interest in developing healthy lifestyles. Focusing on staff wellness provided a starting point. The staff learned that, collectively, they were 2,155 pounds over weight and, on average, were gaining two pounds per person per year. Seventy-four percent of the staff took a one-credit wellness class at the local community college. The class included calibrating fat, checking blood pressure, and developing personal wellness programs that included significant increases in exercise. In two years, the staff lost a total of 825 pounds.
The staff then worked to get parents interested in wellness. Exercise areas and showers were installed in the Head Start center. The staff who had participated in the wellness program were in charge of the exercise areas for three half-hour periods each week. During these times, parents could come and exercise. Thirty-five percent of the parents took advantage of the opportunity. Emphasis was placed on increasing exercise and decreasing fat, salt, and sugar intake. The beneficial impact of these efforts was evident in the increased energy levels of the parents.
Community partnerships and collaboration were an important component of the wellness program. The regional medical center did lab work for the participants; the community college developed a personal wellness class that fit Head Start's needs; and fitness centers and recreation programs donated the use of their space and offered free memberships or products as incentives for participation. As a result of the program, two parents and one staff member became paid aerobic instructors and three staff members became summer swim instructors.
Parents and staff can now be found on local softball, bowling, basketball, and volleyball teams, and the group has become involved in community service. Last year they spent a Saturday fixing and painting a low-income, elderly resident's house. The day provided not only physical activity, but extensive newspaper and television coverage for the center and the wellness program. The community service day was so successful they plan to do another home this year.
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