Wellness Matters…A Coalition Building a Healthy Dayton is committed to sharing ideas and resources with the community.  The coalition defines a success story as any event or activity that promotes general health and/or encourages physical activity.

A few examples of projects (from your worksite, school or community) that Wellness Matters would like to highlight could include the following: a local walking group, a walking school bus, a family participating in a “Biggest Loser” competition, public awareness campaign on a health or safety issue. Below we showcase some local successes. We want to hear from you! If you would like to share a success story, please email it to DPutman@ChildrensHungerAlliance.org

KMC Community Wellness has started a body fat screening offered every other month at the Kettering Fitness & Wellness Center. We have tried not to make the focus on actual results of test, but on educating participants on making healthy lifestyle changes to improve results at their next visit. Individuals who come to screening on a regular basis have shared they have changed exercise habits to become healthier.

Jennifer Aufderheide
Kettering Medical Center

Susanne was a single Mom with no job and two small children. When she found a job, she wanted to find a safe place for her children that would teach them good life skills, as well as assist with school work and discipline. She chose the UHS First STEP Afterschool Program, with included a summer camp program. Her son went on to participate in the UHS workforce training and AmeriCorps programs.

Bill Feldmann
Unified Health Solutions

Our diabetes supply assistance program helps those with obtaining necessary supplies needed for testing and managing their diabetes; it also allows people to attend our free classes and those who do, along with adopting a regular exercise program are eligible to receive additional supplies. Numerous people we have assisted call back, or stop in, to tell us how they are now eating better and exercising and keeping their blood sugars level because of our program.

Susan McGovern
Diabetes Association of the Dayton Area

POWER (Program of Wellness Education and Resources) is a children's advocacy partnership between the Junior League of Dayton and The Children's Medical Center of Dayton, and sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. POWER provides broad community outreach of health and wellness, safety, prevention, and nutrition programs to children and families throughout the Miami Valley. One program, Kids in the Kitchen initiative, empowers youth to make healthy lifestyle choices and help reverse the growth of childhood obesity and its associated health issues. In 2008, the Junior League of Dayton partnered with Dayton Children’s and local YMCAs to conduct healthy lifestyles education for the YMCA’s Healthy Kids Days. Through these events over 500 children received healthy recipes and tips on staying active in 2008.

Jessica Saunders
The Children’s Medical Center of Dayton

In the fall of 2008, our congregation held a Coronary Health Improvement Project (CHIP) program over a 30 day period. We had 50+ in attendance who learned how to make healthier lifestyle choices and dramatically changed their cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, weight, BMI, and other physical indicators of health in a positive direction.

Chris VanDenburgh
Kettering Health Network

Some Beavercreek residents attempted to start a Walking School Bus to my 11-year-old's elementary school, only to discover that the route was not walker friendly.  We successfully brought to the attention of the city the need for an extension to the already existing sidewalk.  We have been told that construction is to begin soon.

Annemarie Halfpap
WSU Center for Healthy Communities