We Can! in Action eNewsletter
A healthy weight resource for families, communities, and health professionals


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Hello from We Can! Fall, 2011
We Can! has been busy during the summer months developing new resources that promote healthy nutrition choices and increased physical activity. As you know, we have also been working to identify a new support contractor for the program. We are pleased to welcome Ogilvy Washington to our team. In the coming weeks, you will be hearing from several new team members. Cara Crosby, Shannon Walsh, and/or Pamela Long will be communicating directly with you about community site news, activities, events, and programming guidance when needed.

For those of you who are We Can! partners, Megan Yarmuth is leading our partnership efforts and may reach out to several of you in the near future.

We Can! Team From left to right: Pamela Long, Cara Crosby, Shannon Walsh, and Megan Yarmuth

If you have questions, news, or success stories that you think can inspire other We Can! community sites, please email Cara Crosby (Cara.Crosby@ogilvy.com). You can also use the following e-mail addresses to reach out to any of our new team members:

We Can Across the Country and World
There are now more than 1,500 registered community sites, including 31 We Can! Cities/Counties in all 50 states and 12 other countries. This marks a big change from nearly six years ago, when the program launched with 14 founding intensive sites!

Map of the United States with community sites plotted including 1390 general sites, 151 intensive sites, 31 city/county sites, and 13 countries.

All across the country, many exciting We Can! activities and events have been unfolding:

  • In Arizona, back to school wasn't just for students as a school district is holding unique events to educate parents.
    Click here to read more
  • The South Dakota Department of Education shows how a little help can go a long way in the state.
    Click here to read more
  • Benton County in Oregon scores with a soccer and nutrition program to reach at-risk youth and parents.
    Click here to read more

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Community Spotlight Section

In Phoenix, Arizona, an entire school district is teaching child care providers why it's important to make healthy nutrition choices for children and how they can provide fun ways for children to be more physically active.
Read more

Learn how an elementary school in Anchorage, Alaska kicked off its We Can! programming and watch their inspiring video.
Read more


New Materials

Look out for a group of revised tip and fact sheets that accompany the We Can!'s Parent Program. They are now easier for parents to read and understand, especially those for whom English is a second language and/or those with lower reading levels. These can be great resources for your sessions with parents.


Energy Balance Tips

As the leaves change colors and temperatures drop, share these We Can! tips with parents in your community to help children stay physically active and improve food choices this fall!

Tip #1: Buy in-season fruits and vegetables - seasonal produce tends to be more affordable. Get your daily servings by trying apples, broccoli, cauliflower, pears, pumpkin, squash, and sweet potatoes! But no matter what the form - fresh, frozen, or canned in juice - all varieties of fruits and vegetables count toward your daily recommendation.

Tip #2: Remember the importance of energy out! Move more this fall with your children - include them in yard work (raking, weeding, planting) or take family walks together at your local community center or in your local park to enjoy the crisp air.

Tip #3: Develop a set of regular activities for you and your family that are always available - regardless of the weather outside. Make a list that includes mall walking, stair climbing, and stretching and strengthening movements. Brainstorm other ideas with your kids - such as a dance party on a rainy day!


Join We Can Section
How Communities can get involved
How Organizations can get involved
Visit http://wecan.nhlbi.nih.gov
Call 1-866-35-WECAN

Department of Health and Human ServicesNational Institutes of Health



National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
National Cancer Institute
We Can! (Ways to Enhance Children's Activity & Nutrition) is a national health education campaign from the National Institutes of Health that provides activities and programs to help prevent childhood obesity in children ages 8-13. The program informs parents and caregivers in home and community settings to encourage improved nutritional choices, increased physical activity, and reduced screen time in their families.
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