In 2012, the National Institute of Health launched the “We Can! (Ways to Enhance Children’s Activity & Nutrition)” initiative to help children stay at a healthy weight by encouraging healthy eating, increased physical activity, and reduced time in front of a television or computer screen. In support of this initiative, BAPS Charities hosted Children’s Health and Safety Day across North America and spread the message of healthy living to children and their families to help curb obesity and promote healthy eating habits from the early years of childhood. BAPS Charities’ volunteers worked in tandem with local pediatricians, nutritionists, dentists, and nurses to teach children about hygiene, healthy living, and physical activity.
| Center | Parsippany, New Jersey |
| Date |
August 18, 2012 |
| Time | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm |
| No. of Participants | 150 |
| No. of Healthcare professionals & specialists |
1 Primary Care Physician |
| List of Services provided | Educational booths and workshops on We Can! (Eat Right, Reduce Screen Time, Get Active); Emergency Education- Fire, Police, Ambulance; Teddy Bear Clinic |
| Prizes and Freebies for Children |
Raffle Prizes: 10 Build-a-Bear teddy’s, 4 gift baskets from Occupational Therapist, Walk with Walgreens kits Freebies for All Kids: We Can! Educational brochures, eating right educational pamphlets, TD Bank (pens, stickers, and magnets), Colgate Palmolive SpongeBob Hand soap |
| Opinions |
The kids were very interactive, interested, and attentive. It seemed that being shown the various different things a kid could do instead of watching TV, had them excited and ready to go and become more active and healthy
The children loved the Teddy Bear Clinic, I saw their faces light up as they received their own teddy bear from us doctors and were able to use a stethoscope to listen to its heart beat. They even seemed less scared when it came to their turn, maybe even a little more excited.
It was my first time sitting in an ambulance and holding a fire hose to see what the rescue people use to help us. This day was so much fun and I learned a lot. I can’t wait to come again next year. Mitul Patel (5th grader) |
