Institute of Medicine Symposium

Healthy Kids Challenge Participates in Prestigious Institute of Medicine Symposium

Names from left to right; Disa Rice, Claudia Hohnbaum, Sherrie Kisker, Vickie James, Carolyn Barry

Wichita, KS. - June 27/28, 2005 - More than 100 people from 20 states and Washington, D.C., joined together at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Wichita, Ks., June 27th and 28th to discuss solutions for childhood obesity. The conference was the first of three regional meetings initiated by the prestigious Institute of Medicine.

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) is part of the National Academy of Sciences and is an adviser to the nation on health related subjects. In the fall of 2004, the IOM produced a report called “Preventing Childhood Obesity: Health in the Balance”.

Healthy Kids Challenge was well represented at the invitation only conference of leaders that focused on healthy change solutions in schools. Director, Vickie L. James, R.D., L.D., and Assistant Director, Claudia L. Hohnbaum, M.A., R.D., L.D., were not only participants in the regional symposium, but, Ms. James was honored with the opportunity to provide day two opening remarks by reviewing key points and lessons identified from the previous day's speakers. "There is a disconnection between knowledge and action when it comes to making healthy lifestyle choices. Wellness is an attitude we must develop by teaching simple, every day ways to help kids and families enjoy making healthy living a habit.", said Vickie L. James, R.D., L.D. in her opening address.

HKC partners from across the Midwest region were also in attendance including, Platte County Health Department and Siegrist Elementary, Platte City, MO.; Tulsa OK. Public Schools; University of Colorado School of Pharmacy, Denver, CO.; and Oliver Foundation, Houston, TX. The HKC Platte County, Missouri initiative was part of a panel sharing success stories for integrating healthy eating and activity into the school environment. "With family and school time being pulled in so many different directions, it's easy to lose sight of the really important issues……quality of life for our kids”, shared Carolyn Barry, Principal, Siegrist Elementary.

Dr. Jeffrey Koplan, former director of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and current chair of the IOM Committee on Prevention of Obesity in Children and Youth, Emory University, Atlanta, GA., reminded the eager and concerned audience that this is going to take time and that there is no quick fix. Truly understanding Dr. Koplan’s message and vantage point working with the public, Platte County Missouri Health Educator, Sherrie Kisker reiterated, “It is essential that families, schools, and communities are all engaged in working together to create a healthier environment for our children.”

“One step at a time, we can make a difference today, for tomorrow.”