Aspire Health hosts celebration for graduates of community wellness program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Monica Sciuto, monica.sciuto@montagehealth.org, (831) 622-2756
Alumni of Healthy Together, Aspire Health’s child and family wellness program, gathered at the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex to celebrate their commitment to healthy living.
MONTEREY, CA — On July 27, more than 300 Monterey County families, doctors, community partners, and Aspire Health staff attended a celebration at the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex for kids and families who have completed Aspire Health’s free Healthy Together program. The inaugural event brought together graduates, their families, providers, and partners to celebrate the achievements of each graduate in adopting healthy habits.
Healthy Together is Aspire Health’s family-focused pediatric wellness program that offers six sessions to help families discover how to live healthy together. Topics include healthy plate and meal-planning ideas, decreasing stress and screen time, improving sleep habits, staying active, and setting SMART goals. The program is offered in Spanish and English and is led by expert health and well-being coaches at no cost to eligible children and their families regardless of insurance coverage. The program is free for those who qualify thanks to generous funding from Montage Health Foundation and Salinas Valley Health Foundation.
The half-day alumni event reinforced healthy lifestyle practices and included live mariachi music, face painting, family-friendly activities, and a free lunch and produce for graduates and their guests.
“Aspire Health is committed to supporting and collaborating with youth and their families at an early age to provide health education and resources so they can avoid serious health conditions later in life,” says Tyler Munson, CEO, Aspire Health. “The event was a great way to celebrate the long-term success of the program and our collaboration with local partner organizations to help each individual reach their optimal health.”
Diabetes was listed as one of the top health issues in Monterey County in the 2022 health survey completed by the Monterey County Health Needs Collaborative. Over half of Monterey County residents have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, which is well above the national average. Developing healthy eating and exercise habits early can significantly reduce diabetes risk.
Physical activity, balanced meals, and healthy habits are key components of the Healthy Together program and are essential in combating the rising rates of obesity and diabetes among Monterey County residents. The program has engaged and provided education to more than 4,500 children and their families since inception and boasts a 66 percent graduation rate (those who completed all program attendance requirements.)
For community members who are interested in the Healthy Together program, a healthcare provider’s or school resource center’s referral is required. Participants must be between the ages of 2 and 18 and a resident of Monterey County with at least one of the following criteria:
- Greater than 85th percentile BMI/age
- Unexpected weight gain
- Abnormal laboratory values
Visit www.aspirehealth.org/healthytogether for referral options.
