Let’s Move South Dakota is a traveling hands-on exhibit that will inspire children and families to get active, eat healthy and feel good. Six interactive stations highlight the habits that can result in a healthy weight. The exhibit will be at the Carnegie Public Library from January 10, 2013 to January 31, 2013. The Carnegie Public Library Board of Trustees together with the city of Dell Rapids brought the exhibit to Dell Rapids.
Exhibit coordinator Anne Lewis says that the exhibit was developed in response to the increased rates of obesity in the state. Lewis says that almost 14% of children in South Dakota are obese, more than double the rate 30 years ago, and almost two thirds of adults are obese or overweight.
“Our goal is for families to leave the exhibit with a renewed excitement about getting active and eating healthy foods ” said Lewis. “We want kids and families to have fun and learn at the same time.”
The exhibit stations are based on the action steps of the Let’s Move initiative started by First Lady Michelle Obama. “Don’t let the term action steps scare you,” says Lewis. “These steps are pretty simple and things our grandparents knew: move every day, eat fruits and veggies, prepare and eat meals together, drink smart by drinking beverages low in sugar, play more on your feet and less in front of a screen, and play outside.”
Lewis says that one way to keep motivated to move every day is for families to work on earning the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award PLUS. To earn the award, participants keep track of exercise for six weeks. They also add a new healthy eating habit each week such as adding more whole grains and eating lower sodium foods. Lewis says this award is for everyone. “We’ve had people from six to sixty six, literally, earn the award.”
Lewis invites everyone who signs up for the PALA Plus award online at www.presidentschallenge.org to join the Let’s Move South Dakota Discovery Center group. When group members earn their award they receive a certificate and a patch. If online access is a problem then participants can track their progress on paper using a form downloaded from the exhibit website.
Let’s Move South Dakota, made possible by a generous grant from the Wal-mart State Giving foundation, is available for a one month rental to schools, out of school time programs, libraries and other groups involved in promoting good health and good habits for children and families. For more information about the exhibit or rental, see the website at www.letsmovesouthdakota.org.
