The 4th H is for health
The 4th H is for HEALTH!
The 4-H program has addressed healthy food and nutrition since its inception in 1902. In an effort to stem the national health crisis of the 21st century, we must ensure that our nation's youth and their families learn how to make healthy decisions related to the food they prepare and eat and the behaviors in which they engage.
The goal of 4-H Health and Well-Being programming is to provide developmentally-appropriate learning opportunities that promote positive health and well-being for youth and their families. 4-H programs empower youth to take personal responsibility in making positive decisions about their own health. In addition, 4-Hers are encouraged to be involved in positive family and community health efforts.
In Delaware 4-H we have a wide range of health and well-being programs, including Botvin Life Skills for 3rd to 9th grade, the GEM Program (Get Experience in Mindfulness) for ages 10 and up, Food and Nutrition Programs, Prevention Programs including "Escape the Vape", and the 4th H for Health Challenge program. According to a Tufts University study, 4-H'ers are nearly twice as likely to make healthier choices than their peers!
4-H programs empower youth to take personal responsibility in making positive decisions about their own health.
The 4th H for Health challenge was first implemented in Delaware in 2017. As part of this initiative, Delaware 4-H Clubs and Afterschool Groups have been encouraging three basic principles:
- Serving water as the main beverage at events
- Serving fruits and vegetable as snacks
- Incorporating physical activity and wellness activities in meetings and events
We're particularly excited because, as we step into the third year of this challenge, we now have 150% increase in clubs and afterschool sites participating!
4-H healthy living programming empowers youth to be healthy in body and mind with the skills to make healthy decisions and lead healthy lifestyles. Leading healthy lifestyles enables youth to tackle life's challenges and become leaders in their lives, careers, communities and be responsible adults.