KEYS 4 HealthyKids

KEYS 4 HealthyKids (KEYS) is a grant-funded childhood obesity prevention initiative that has been serving WV’s kids, families, and communities since 2009. Through policy, systems, and environmental changes (or PSEs), KEYS is on a mission to make the healthy choice the easy choice in WV. KEYS is currently focused on two primary sectors for intervention: child care and clinical-community linkages.
Lead Contact for Programs: Merinda Stricklen, PA-C
Email: merinda.stricklen@camc.org
Phone: (304) 539 - 5642
Specific Initiatives
5210 Rx Program
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The goals of the 5210 Rx Program are a) to improve health outcomes/food access for children, b) to prevent and treat obesity/diabetes, and c) to address food insecurity.
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It is a yearlong program focusing on the healthy habits of 5-2-1-0—to eat 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day, watch 2 hours or less of recreational screen time per day, get 1 hour of physical activity per day, and drink 0 sugary drinks.
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The 5210 healthy themes are:
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5—Increase fruit/vegetable intake
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2,1—Increase physical activity, decrease screen time
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0—Drink more water
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Providers “prescribe” the 5210 healthy themes to their patients by making 5210 goals with their patients based on these themes (for example, Fruit and Vegetable Prescriptions to encourage increased fruit/vegetable consumption).
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Patients who participate in the 5210 Rx Program are seen at their provider’s office monthly while they participate in the program.
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At each doctor visit, after patients make a goal based on one of the 5210 healthy themes, patients are given a 5210 Rx with a goal tracker to record their accomplishments in reaching their goal
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Patients who come for a follow-up appointment and bring their goal tracker receive an incentive based on the 5210 theme they are working on, such as a water bottle or portable physical activity equipment.

Steps 4 Stronger Families
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Steps 4 Stronger Families is a family-based free 8-week program offering nutrition, hands on cooking experiences, and family friendly physical activity activities.
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Children with either an elevated BMI or who are SNAP eligible are eligible to participate - an adult must participate with their child.
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In order to participate, children need clearance from a medical provider.
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Classes are held weekly at the Gateway Center in Smithers
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Classes are currently on hold until Fall 2022

Hands-On Cooking Classes
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In-person cooking classes offered by an experienced dietician
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Nutrition education is provided during the classes
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Classes occur every 2nd and 4th Monday from 5:30-6:30 PM at the WV Health Right West Side CommUNITY Center Kitchen
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Participants receive a Kroger e-card after the class to purchase ingredients to make the recipe again

Medical Nutrition Therapy
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Medical nutrition therapy is provided virtually/online by a dietician
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Patients are referred by their primary care provider
Water Adventures at the Park
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Every Thursday in July from 6:00-7:00
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Location: Little Creek Park at the Pavilion across from the basketball courts
