Healthy Habits Contest aims to encourage healthier habits in creative ways

BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) – West Virginia is ranked number one for obesity in the United States, according to a 2023 study by WALLETHUB .

West Virginia government officials are looking to change the statistics, however, and they are starting in the classroom.

The West Virginia Healthy Habits School Contest is a new program aimed at recognizing habits that keep kids healthy and active in multiple creative ways.

“[The contest] is for every elementary school or grade school in this state. What we are encouraging them to do is make a two minute video highlighting what they are doing to be healthier in their schools,” said Dr. Sherri Young, Cabinet Secretary for the West Virginia Department of Health.

Dr. Young said projects can be anything from a fitness workout to how students are changing their diet.

Each submission will be judged by a panel of members from the Department of Health, the Department of Education, and Aetna Better Health of West Virginia.

Dr. Young explained why this program is so beneficial to our youth here in West Virginia.

“We look at so many health outcomes that we are trying to do better at in West Virginia. We are trying to curve obesity, we are trying to curve hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and Heart Disease. While we make that investment in our adult West Virginias, you cannot make a better investment than in youth and in school age kids. They can make changes that can impact their entire life,” said Dr. Young.

The deadline to submit videos is November 5, 2024. Third prize winners receive $500, second prize receives $1,000, and first prize receives $2,500 dollars.

Award ceremonies for the top three schools will be in December of 2024. A written summary of the efforts may also be submitted along with the entry.

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