“5 more minutes at the park, please?” Are the words every kid has said at least once. Unfortunately, as the years pass by, our love of physical activity begins to diminish. 

Today, over 80% of children in Oklahoma are not receiving the recommended amount of physical activity. One of the most effective ways to spread awareness is through the Youth Action for Health Leadership’s Elevate Student Health campaign. 

Hi! My name is Neha Kale, I’m a junior at Classen School of Advanced Studies and I’m a member of the Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL) program. 

With YAHL, our Elevate Student Health campaign aims to have schools across the state create and follow comprehensive wellness policies. The Elevate Student Health wellness policy model includes the goals of improving nutritious food options in school, incorporating more physical activity (at least an hour) and increasing access to safe drinking water.

In Oklahoma, during the school year, over 50% of students' calories are consumed at school. By following comprehensive wellness policies, we can reach hundreds and thousands of students across the state to provide clean and healthy food/water options. Along with providing healthier food options, it’s also crucial that schools are providing physical activity for all students to participate in. By engaging in exercise and physical activity, students can improve their health and reduce the risk of developing several chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. By implementing these policy updates, children are building healthier lifestyles from a young age and continue to improve their healthy habits. 

Some of the ways I took action through YAHL was by collecting surveys at school activities and lunches, along with meeting with my middle school principal. Through the Elevate Student Health Campaign, I had the opportunity to meet with my middle school principal and discuss the dangers of unsafe drinking water and the benefits of healthy lunches. A month later I went back and learned that all the students were given water bottles, there were more nutritious food options and the water filters were replaced. Through Elevate I was able to not only make an impact on my school but also on students who previously couldn’t afford a water bottle or fulfilling food. 

With Elevate Student Health, we can all make a difference for the future of Oklahoma’s youth. By creating and following comprehensive wellness policies in schools, children across the state will have healthier lifestyles and will create a healthier future for generations to come.

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By: Neha Kale, Classen SAS High School