With the rate of obesity on the rise in Oklahoma, INTEGRIS Health feels the need to do what we can to combat this problem. Our objective is to reduce the risk of obesity by providing health and nutritional education in conjunction with a regimented physical education program.

The Move For Life program works in conjunction with physical education departments, faculty and staff at some of the high-risk elementary schools in the metro area. Our goal is to educate the students about the benefits of good nutrition and physical activity.

With the use of incentives, objectives are reached consistently and at a rapid pace. A walking program that rewards the top three students with bicycles and a scooter at the end of the school year, is one of the incentives that has been readily accepted by the students. Another example is “cool cash”. Students are awarded “cool cash” for participation in activities that promote a healthy mind and body. The “cool cash” is then redeemed for items the students can purchase from the “cool cash cart”.

To enhance physical activity, video tapes have been made available to the teachers. These tapes provide the opportunity for students to be involved in physical activity during times of inclement weather. The video library consists of exercise, safety, nutritional, and hygiene tapes.

Weekly nutritional/physical educational material is sent home with students to emphasize their importance not only at school, but at home as well. Bi-weekly jazzercise classes are also offered to students and their parents.

This program is currently in place at Western Village Academy, Fillmore Elementary, and Ridgeview Elementary all located in Oklahoma City.