Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, Kohl's team up to fight childhood obesity Joint effort helps schools purchase PE, fitness equipment to keep kids moving

Two local businesses continue to work together on a unique collaboration designed to combat childhood obesity in Carbondale schools.

Kohl's recently presented a $12,960 check to Memorial Hospital of Carbondale from proceeds raised through the Kohl's Cares for Kids program. The funds are generated from the purchase of books and plush toys at the Carbondale store. In turn, MHC, through the Community Benefits Department at parent company Southern Illinois Healthcare, uses the dollars to purchase PE and other fitness equipment for Carbondale-area schools (Unity Point, Desoto Grade, Carbondale District 95, Giant City, and Carbondale Community High School). Funding this year will also go towards sponsoring the Movers and Shakers Spring Fling, a family wellness night in March at Carbondale Community High School, said SIH School Health Coordinator Amy Wright.

"Over the last 30 years, childhood obesity has tripled and the rates in southern Illinois are higher than the state average. Health issues that we typically associate with adulthood have now become health issues in our youth: Hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease. Without intervention, these issues will cut the lives of the youth in our communities short. As a hospital organization, we are committed to providing resources and programming that will influence students and encourage them to adopt positive behaviors today," said Wright.

Now in its fourth year, the Kohl's/Memorial collaboration has helped grow Carbondale schools' physical education curriculums and programs.

Highlights include:

• General PE equipment: Items used daily such as balls, bats, hoops, nets, etc.
• Fitness Equipment: Pedometers and other items that increase cardiovascular strength, strength, endurance, and flexibility
• Technology: Examples include fitness testing using FitnessGram software, and implementation of video-based systems such as "Dance, Dance Revolution" and Wii