CATCH In Motion
At the state level, the CDC ranks Texas as having the 6th highest obesity rate. The situation in West Central Texas is even more severe. With so many health-related diseases that result from obesity, Shannon decided to take a leadership role in combating the problem. Healthy lifestyle habits, including healthy eating and physical activity, can lower the risk of becoming obese and developing related diseases—health problems that, unfortunately, already exist among young people.
Shannon works in a collaborative effort with members of the community to provide leadership in health and wellness education by promoting prevention-oriented programs and services. Shannon provided the Comprehensive Approach to Child Heath Program (CATCH®) in Motion, in 33 schools in the Concho Valley from 2007-2010. The CATCH in Motion program brought education on healthy eating and increased physical activity to youth grades K-5, their parents, food service workers, classroom teachers, and PE teachers. The program was funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Carol M. White Physical Education Program and provided training and curriculum incorporating nutrition instruction and increased physical activity at home and school. Area school districts adopted the program to meet the Texas state standards, and the program has continued to serve those schools beyond the grant-funded years.
To continue those efforts, Shannon Medical Center partners with San Angelo Independent School District to sponsor the Kids' Marathon every spring.
For more information, call Shannon Health and Wellness at 325.747.5677