The Ho Chunk Nation Youth Fitness Program in Jackson County, Wis., recently received a Leadership Award from the American Association for World Health for creating a successful and innovative physical activity program for children at risk for diabetes related to obesity. 

The award was presented on World Health Day – April 5 – to four U.S. and three international programs for outstanding achievement in building awareness about the importance of physical fitness.

The Ho Chunk, who have problems with obesity at five times the national average, run a youth fitness program that serves children ages 6 to 18 whose medical histories and lifestyles put them at risk for diabetes.

Substantial numbers of the Ho Chunk are affected by type 2 diabetes, a disease that occurs when the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that controls levels of glucose or blood sugar. Studies show that diabetes can frequently be prevented or successfully controlled by exercise and good nutrition.

Supported by a grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the program was developed by health care providers, researchers and community leaders in collaboration with the Ho Chunk Nation Department of Health, the Ho Chunk Nation Youth Services Program, the University of Wisconsin-Madison Pediatric Fitness Clinic and the Bamboo, Black River Falls and Wisconsin Dells school districts.

The Youth Fitness Program includes:

·        supervised physical activity and nutritional education to help participants reach their goals;

·        a variety of  physical activities, including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and archery; and

·        bus transportation for those participants who live in these remote areas.

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