TSET presentations, collaborations with other states displayed at national conferences

Members of the TSET health communication team are informing the nation on best-practice ways to influence health behaviors through public education programs in mass media. In the past few months, TSET health communication staff participated in poster presentations and panel discussions on a public relations launch for a mass media campaign to educate Oklahomans on the sugar content of sugar-sweetened beverages and digital efforts to help increase knowledge and enrollments in the free OTH program. TSET health communication staff participated in the National Conference on Health Communication, Marketing and Media and the Southern Obesity Summit.  Customized public education interventions, when combined with other programs, are one of the most effective strategies for promoting healthy lifestyles.

Communities honored for work to promote health

Pictured Above from left to right: Mike Burdge, Sand Springs Mayor; John Woods, TSET Executive Director; Brian Jackson, City Councilor; Mike Fina, OML Executive Director and Elizabeth Gray, City Manager

Three communities were honored by TSET at the annual Oklahoma Municipal League conference in Tulsa last month for their efforts to improve health and achievement of a Healthy Community Incentive Grant.

The communities met criteria established for the TSET Healthy Communities Incentive Grant (HCIG) program such as passing tobacco-free policies, making fresh fruits and vegetables available, and increasing opportunities for residents to become more physically active.

The City of Sand Springs will use its $50,000 incentive grant award for trail connections for a city-wide trail project. This is the second incentive grant for the city. They were previously awarded $50,000 at the bronze and silver levels in 2014.

The City of Wagoner will use its $10,000 incentive grant award for improvements to various parks around the city. They also plan on constructing a volleyball court and upgrade their existing basketball court.

The Town of Checotah will use its $20,000 incentive grant award for playground equipment in Bessy Tabor Park.

TSET Executive Director John Woods and TSET staff were also on hand to discuss the incentive grant program with city leaders from across the state. In many communities, incentive grant funds are paired with other dollars to complete city projects such as walking/biking trails and other improvements that promote health in communities.

TSET honors school districts, site for improving health

Pictured above from left to right: Sheri Ripley, TSET Healthy Living Program Assistant Coordinator; Diann Hermann, School Nurse & Grant Writer; Superintendent Wayland Kimble; Geoff Metheny, Athletic Director; Randy Hedge, High School Principal; John Woods, TSET Executive Director; Sharon Howard, TSET Healthy Schools Program Manager; Lauren Wheeler, TSET Healthy Living Program Assistant Coordinator; David Smith, TSET Healthy Living Program Coordinator 

Chandler, Alva and Arnett Public Schools were honored recently for their efforts to improve health through the Healthy District Incentive Grant Program. Chandler Public Schools will use their $5,000 incentive grant to purchase an ice machine and drinking fountains with water bottle filling stations for 3 school sites to encourage increased water consumption for students and staff.  Alva Public School District will use their $5,000 incentive grant funds to purchase cafeteria equipment and Arnett Public School District will use their $3,000 incentive grant funds to purchase physical activity equipment.

Lincoln Elementary in Pryor, which received $8,000 Healthy Schools Incentive grant in 2015 was named one of America’s healthiest schools by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. Lincoln Elementary was one of 300 healthy schools honored nationally. While celebrating Lincoln Elementary for this achievement, TSET Executive Director John Woods applauded local efforts to support health, include physical activity in the school day, and help children establish healthy habits that will benefit them as adults.

TSET Healthy Schools Incentive grants are awarded to schools that have implemented key strategies to increase healthy opportunities for employees and students. Key strategies for schools include a district wellness policy that focuses on better nutrition and more physical activity to improve the health of students. Schools must also provide a tobacco-free, vape free environment at all times on school property and at school sponsored events.

Schools from across the state laced up for the 21st annual Walk or Bike to School Day

Thank you to everyone who made the 21st Annual Walk or Bike to School Day such a success. John Woods, executive director of TSET, celebrated with Noble Public Schools students. TSET’s Shape Your Future campaign encouraged students, families, communities and schools across Oklahoma to get their daily 60 minutes of physical activity during this year’s event.

Regular physical activity not only helps reduce childhood obesity, but also helps strengthen kids’ brains, boost the immune system, improve sleep and reduce stress. In addition to improved physical and mental health, active students also gain self-confidence and self-esteem.

Students, parents and staff at Martin Luther King Jr Elementary in Oklahoma City participating in the 21st Annual Walk or Bike to School Day 

Happy, healthy Halloween tricks & treats from Shape Your Future

The amount of sugar in classic Halloween treats sure is scary! Instead of giving kids candy, try making Clementine Pumpkins or a Pumpkin-Shaped Vegetable Tray for classroom celebrations or before trick or treating. Fruits and veggies will give kids the energy to howl at the moon or dance with their prince this Halloween. Click here for a few extra tricks for healthy treats this Halloween.

Apply today! Application period for Certified Healthy Oklahoma ends Nov. 1