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In the United States, there is an epidemic of asthma among our children. Currently five million children under the age of 18 suffer from asthma. The Healthy Hoops Program uses an innovative, community-based approach to positively change behaviors of school-aged children and their families affected by asthma.
The vision of the Healthy Hoops program was created by the President and Chief Executive Officer of AmeriHealth Mercy, Daniel J. Hilferty. Recognizing the need to improve the health outcomes of children suffering with asthma, the Healthy Hoops Program was developed and implemented initially in Philadelphia.
In 2005, the program was expanded to include Select Health of South Carolina, a wholly owned subsidiary of AmeriHealth Mercy. Under the guidance of Select Health's President and CEO, Mike Jernigan, the program was introduced to South Carolina advocates, coaches and parents of children with asthma.
By collaborating with experts in the field of asthma and basketball, Select Health initiated a basketball camp to educate young asthmatics about the importance of appropriate medication usage, proper nutrition and monitored exercise and recreational activities as it relates to asthma. In addition to focusing on asthma management, Healthy Hoops targets decreasing childhood obesity and increasing cardiovascular activity, particularly in children with asthma.
Since the launch of the South Carolina Healthy Hoops Program in 2005, more than 2,000 families throughout the state, including 635 children with asthma, have received life saving asthma health information and resources. The 2008 Healthy Hoops Program is expected to reach even more families as the program expands to include more activities than ever before. All events include the following components:
- Asthma management education and screening
- Nutrition and health education
- Basketball instruction
- Character development
- Recognition and rewards
For more information about the Healthy Hoops Program, please contact:
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