JCPH introduces pilot program for healthy kids

     An exciting opportunity to improve the health of elementary-aged students is coming to Jones County.

     During the April 4 Jones County Board of Supervisors meeting, Public Health Director Jess Wiedenhoff and Community Health Assistant Gina Clymer were present to provide a variety of updates regarding Jones County Public Health.

     The biggest news was the fact that Jones County was chosen out of all 99 counties as the pilot county for Healthy LifeStars. Wiedenhoff said the program is tailored to K-6, but would be used for K-4 locally due to the makeup of elementary schools in Jones County.

     Healthy LifeStars hits on three components:

     • I East Right

     • I am Active

     • I Can Do It

     This program is offered through the University of Iowa. It teaches young kids about how to achieve personal, healthy goals, eating the right foods, and the importance of maintaining physical activity in their daily lives.

     It also aligns with the National Physical Education Standards, as well as the Iowa P.E. standards.

     Before now, the Healthy LifeStars curriculum was designed for before- and after-school programs across the state. A P.E. teacher in Waterloo worked to rewrite the curriculum to tailor to elementary schools.

     Last August, JCPH hosted “5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count,” an event for healthcare providers, educators, and business leaders. Wiedenhoff said it was at that kick-off event where a Healthy LifeStars representative presented initial information about the program.

     She said the reason Jones County was chosen is before they wanted to see how the program would do in a rural community setting.

     “Jones County was just a really good fit,” said Wiedenhoff.

     Right now, Jones County ranks 56 out of the 99 counties in terms of overall resident health, which spans all age groups.

     “That takes into account social and economic factors, chronic diseases, obesity and access to healthcare,” added Wiedenhoff.

     Last week, JCPH started meeting with school officials in Jones County, principals and P.E. teachers, to start see how Healthy LifeStars might be implemented into the schools.

     “The schools will get a say in how they implement the curriculum,” said Wiedenhoff. “It’s not a fixed design.”

     The idea is to start using Healthy LifeStars come this fall at the start of the 2022-23 school year.

     “It’s not a one-and-done program,” added Wiedenhoff. “It’s something we’ll continue to work on for years to come.

     “The goal is the increase physical activity and healthy behavior habits that align with Public Health and our community goals,” continued Wiedenhoff. “We can do better than 56.”

     JCPH is also working on completing the Fiscal Year 2023 deliverables, which get turned into the Iowa Department of Public Health by April 21.

     “This is a contract we fill out each year that says we agree to deliver certain services to the county,” explained Wiedenhoff.

     The bigger issue, though, is the dramatic rise in STDs among young people in the county.

     “They have been on the rise for a while,” noted Wiedenhoff.

     In 2016, there were 23 cases of chlamydia reported. Last year, it rose to 66.

     “We’re at the point now where it’s doubled by this time last year,” shared Wiedenhoff. “We’re working with Linn County Public Health on testing opportunities and resources and education in the schools.”

     Wiedenhoff said she’s reaching out to the schools to see how they plan to address the situation.

     “I’m just trying to figure out what’s going on, whether it’s being addressed, or if schools need more help,” she offered.

     Statewide, though, both chlamydia and syphilis are on the rise.