Small summer readers will have more choices at their local
library thanks to Wright County Public Health. Using Statewide Health
Improvement Program grant funds, the county health organization donated dozens
of children’s books to Great River Regional Library last Thursday.
Aimed at very young readers, the collection includes popular
titles such as “Barnyard Dance,” about a farm animal hoedown, and “How are You
Peeling?” with whimsical fruits and vegetables exhibiting their “natural
personalities.” The stories promote healthy eating or staying active.
“It really promotes fresh fruits and vegetables, in the
healthy eating area, and promotes physical activity in fun story format,” said
Susan DeMars, Health Promotion Coordinator for Wright County Public Health.
The books, funded by a grant from the Statewide Health
Improvement Program (SHIP), will be housed at the Howard Lake and Buffalo
libraries.
WCPH’s donation is part of a larger initiative promoting
well-being in the child care setting. Susan has been working directly with
Wright County child care providers for more than a year, offering free or
low-cost trainings as well as technical assistance and funding to implement
policies on physical activity, healthy eating and supporting breastfeeding.
The “I am Moving, I am Learning” curriculum promotes
moderate to vigorous physical activity with brain development in mind.
“Instead of just letting kids go out and play free, it’s
organized activities to help kids develop their motor skills, things like
throwing and skipping,” DeMars said.
More than 60 area
providers have participated in the IMIL training. Another 79 have participated
in the training “Supporting Breastfeeding in the Child Care Setting”.
“The books we’ve donated are meant to help child care
providers extend their new knowledge, and they’ll be a fun resource for parents
and others in the community too,” DeMars said.
(with photo): Susan DeMars, Health Promotion Coordinator for
Wright County Public Health, presents Great River Regional Librarian Amy Wittmann with several titles as part
of a donation supporting healthy eating and physical activity.
