(Carlisle) -- Some $105,000 in grants will help boost an effort to promote physical activity and good nutrition among midstate students. The Carlisle Area, Big Spring and West Perry school districts will each receive a portion of the money to launch new programs that encourage health and wellness while keeping children interested. The Carlisle Area Health and Wellness Foundation is distributing the funds. Executive Director Becca Raley says to help students understand the importance of staying active, each school will utilize a national childhood obesity prevention program known as "5210." "We're trying to encourage everyone, of all ages, to eat five fruits and vegetables a day. That's the 'five.' The 'two' is no more than two hours of screen time, whether that be a computer or a TV," she says. "The 'one' is to get one hour of physical activity during the day and the 'zero' is consume zero sugar-sweetened and beverages." Raley says physical activity and good nutrition are the keys toward a healthy life, so affordable, fun and effective programs have been selected for each district to help children learn the proper habits. "I think for us and as we think about our region, as we strive for wellness for all young people and adults and older adults," she says. "We want to strike at chronic disease prevention strategies and building healthy lifestyles across the lifespan." The foundation serves portions of Cumberland, Perry, Adams and Franklin counties.










