By Sue Henry

Over the past couple of years, the health of young people has been a major topic in the news. Youth obesity rates are rising at an alarming rate – the result of sedentary lifestyles and poor nutrition habits. Experts estimate that one out of every two children in Michigan will die prematurely from preventable cardiovascular disease or preventable cancer. Michigan adults are in the same boat – government officials estimate that obesity-related diseases currently cost Michigan residents $8.9 billion a year in work-related costs.

As the state’s largest youth organization (and one that also involves more than 28,000 volunteers), Michigan 4-H Youth Development is taking action with the 4-H Year of Health Challenge. Through this challenge, which was kicked off in October 2004, 4-H staff and volunteers are encouraged to build activities into 4-H programs and club meetings that involve physical activity and nutrition education. The challenge also addresses issues of youth tobacco use prevention, sun protection to prevent skin cancer, and life skills such as stress management and healthy decision-making.

Health has long been an important part of 4-H programs, as shown by the 4th H, which stands for health, and many young people across the state have been actively addressing this issue. Can this kind of involvement make a difference? In Mackinac County, one 4-H member has been so inspired through his own weight loss and exercise routine that he has become an advocate for youth health in his community. He now leads young people in 4-H activities that promote their health and well-being.

In Eaton County, 4-H’er Andrew Dow learned enough about promoting healthy weight for youth to become a winner at the Michigan 4-H Communication Day with his speech. He now serves as a spokesperson and advocate for healthy weight for his school, his 4-H club (The Gresham Grain Grinder) and the Eaton County Junior Livestock Association. In May 2004, he even testified on the Michigan Senate floor about the issue of promoting healthy weight for youth.

To find out about the Michigan 4-H Health Challenge and how you can help young people lead healthy lifestyles, contact your county MSU Extension office or visit the Michigan 4-H health Web site at http://www.msue.msu. edu/cyf/youth/health.html.

Sue Henry is a former associate 4-H program leader for health issues.

4-H Health Challenge Club Incentive Contest

Are you interested in building fun, health-focused activities into your 4-H club – and the opportunity to enter a drawing for $250 worth of health-related products for your club? All it takes is your club’s willingness to design and hold at least two meeting sessions that have a focus on health education sometime between now and September 8, 2005. Just follow these simple directions:

To be eligible, make sure your club consists of five or more youth (between ages 5 and 19) from two or more families.

Design and hold at least two health-focused learning sessions that are each at least one hour long.

Design sessions that address the needs and interests of your group (contact your county 4-H office for ideas or visit the Michigan 4-H health Web site).

Be prepared to complete a contest entry form (available from your county 4-H office) that describes your club’s activities and submit your entry no later than September 9, 2005. (Keep in mind that all entries will come under the ownership of Michigan 4-H Youth Development and will be used throughout 2004–06 to promote and recognize the 4-H Health Challenge.)

Funding for this project is being provided by the Michigan 4-H Foundation.