The Volunteers of Prairie Ridge Health (PRH) approved at a meeting Jan. 26 to donate $5,000 to the Prairie Ridge Health Live It! Real Life Nutrition Program for Teens. Live It, which aims to motivate students to make nutrient-rich food choices while emphasizing the importance of physical activity, has continued as a result of community donations, a commitment from PRH to provide the education, and cooperation from school administration to allow students to participate during school hours.

“Whether it was information about proper nutrition, how to read labels, or great ways to get out and exercise, the students are bringing that knowledge home with them and applying it to everyday living,” said Emily Dilley, PRH Foundation Executive Director. “This gives them the power to make life-changing, healthy choices at an early age that they can continue throughout their lives.”

The physical activity lessons are taught by PRH’s Education Manager, while the nutrition lessons are instructed by Prairie Ridge Health Dietitian Staff or UW Dietetic Students.

“Funding for the program, which costs about $30,000 annually to run, is provided by Prairie Ridge Health as well as proceeds of the Betty Becker Memorial Walk/Run - organized by the Step Sisters, and private donations from businesses, services clubs and community members,” said Dilley.

For more information regarding becoming a member of the Volunteers of Prairie Ridge Health, contact Patti at 920-623-1280 or pwalker@prairieridge.health.