MakingHealthEasier.org

Change starts here.

The facts are staggering - one in three of America's children is overweight or obese. But there's good news, communities are joining together to tackle the problem head-on, and they're seeing impressive results. If you'd like to learn what communities are doing to give our children healthier foods and more physical activity, welcome! We have lots of inspiring stories to share and resources to help your community make powerful changes. Now is the perfect time to start.

Physical Education and Physical Activity in Schools

Communities throughout the country are creating exciting, new ways to get kids' hearts racing and bodies moving in schools and childcare programs.

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Physical activity in childcare and preschool settings
Quality physical education on a daily basis
Physical activity in after-school and childcare programs
Alternatives to entertainment screen time (TV, video games) after school

Healthier Foods in Schools

Communities are finding ways to offer fresh fruit, salad bars and other healthy options in the school lunch line. They're also stocking vending machines with healthier options. These small changes can spark a lifetime of healthier eating.

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Healthier foods in childcare and preschool settings
Healthier food options in school
Healthier vending machines
Farm-to-school programs

Places to Walk, Bike and Play

It's hard to call "olly olly oxen free" when you can't find a nearby park. Concerned communities are finding success creating bike paths and parks, and getting kids off their feet and onto the playground - instead of sitting on the couch.

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Walking and biking
Safe routes to school and work
Complete streets (roads designed to accommodate public transportation, bikers and pedestrians)
Joint use agreements - Opening school playgrounds after hours and on weekends

Healthier Foods in Communities

Communities are turning food deserts into food oases by bringing fresh produce and other healthy options closer to city residents throughout the country.

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Farmers markets
Community gardens
Healthy corner stores
Menu labeling

Reducing Secondhand Smoke

Secondhand smoke wafts its way through parks, apartment buildings and other public places, posing a health risk to us all. Find out how communities are reducing secondhand smoke exposure.

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Smoke-free, multi-unit housing
Smoke-free workplaces, bars and restaurants
Smoke-free parks
Smoking cessation
Limiting children's exposure to tobacco signage and point-of-sale advertising

Resources

Getting started is easy with the right help. We offer tools and suggestions to overcome obstacles and create groundswell support for change in your community.

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Learn More About CDC’s “Healthy Schools” Initiative

Research shows that when students eat healthy and are more physically active, they do better in school. With the help of CDC, communities nationwide are putting this research into practice, year-round.

Learn more about what communities are doing to help schools become places where students not only learn about the importance of eating healthier and being more physically active but, in fact, eat healthier and move more.

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