TN Governor has proclaimed October 3-9, 2016 Child Health Week

Oct 03, 2016 at 12:36 pm by bryan


Governor Bill Haslam has proclaimed October 3-9, 2016 Child Health Week in Tennessee. The Tennessee Department of Health encourages all Tennesseans to put the health and well-being of children first during Child Health Week and every day of the year.

"Each of us has a role to play to help keep Tennessee children safe, healthy and on track," said TDH Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH. "Children watch what we do, so each of us can encourage and influence healthy behavior choices by modeling good health in our own lives. Do they see us being physically active, making healthier food choices, avoiding tobacco and nicotine, wearing seat belts and getting vaccinated? Let's all work to set good examples to help Tennessee's children become healthy, educated and prosperous adults."

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This year's Child Health Week theme is "Healthy Food Fuels Healthy Children," emphasizing the impact of consistent access to healthy food and beverage options on children and the important role each individual plays in achieving good health for our state. Check in with your local health department to learn about Child Health Week activities planned in the community.

"The Department of Health recognizes the importance of nutrition in every stage of life, especially in the very beginning," said TDH Assistant Commissioner for Family Health and Wellness Morgan McDonald, MD, FAAP, FACP. "Breastfeeding support through the Tennessee Breastfeeding Hotline and designated breastfeeding experts in every county health department are available statewide. WIC nutritionists provide education early in life, and health educators across the state partner with daycares and Coordinated School Health to promote childhood access to good nutrition and physical activity."

Other resources for Tennessee families looking to create healthy choices for their children include:

  • www.kidcentraltn.com The kidcentral tn website and app offer convenient sources of reliable information about child health, education and development. Families may enter their zip code to find nearby state services.
  • http://healthiertn.com/small_starts Sponsored by the Governor's Foundation for Health and Wellness, the Healthier Tennessee website and app help families create healthy habits one at a time.
  • ChooseMyPlate.gov Families can customize this website and email listserv based on budget and ages of children.


TDH has information about Child Health Week activities and local events, along with resources for parents, schools and communities available online athttp://tn.gov/health/topic/MCH-chw.

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