Thousands of northern Colorado kids and teachers are pledging to be healthier again this year through UCHealth’s Healthy Kids Club, which promotes health and wellness to kids in northern Colorado elementary schools.

The Healthy Kids Club Schools on the Move 5210 Challenge which started 10 years ago in one northern Colorado school district, continues to grow through participation, passion and energy.

Now, more than 16,000 students and school staff are participating from 100 different sites in Poudre, Thompson, Weld County and Saint Vrain Valley school districts.

Each February, northern Colorado students, staff and family members make a pledge to be active and healthy by adopting and tracking the “5210” healthy habits each day.

What is 5210?
• Eat five servings of fruits and veggies.
• Limit recreational screen time to less than two hours.
• Be active for at least one hour.
• Drink zero sugary drinks.

Up to $1,500 in prize money is awarded to schools with the highest percentage of participants.  More than $15,000 in prize money was awarded to 23 schools in 2015. All of the money is used toward physical education equipment or wellness initiatives.

Participating schools have innovative ways to get kids and staff motivated throughout the month, such as kick-off assemblies, morning announcements, and “caught in the 5210 act” recognition.

In 2014, UCHealth’s Healthy Kids Club added a video challenge, which continues again this year. Participating schools create a video that shows “5210 in action” at their schools.

“The videos showcase the dedication and excitement these schools have for wellness, and many of the videos are produced by the kids,” said Laurie Zenner, manager of UCHealth Healthy Kids Club. “It [the video challenge] is a creative way for participants to highlight wellness in action at their schools, and we hope the videos will inspire kids and adults alike to adopt the 5210 healthy habits.”

The Healthy Kids Club has been teaching kids healthy habits and offering programs to get kids active for 18 years.

“Our students believe in 5210 and want to be role models for their fellow classmates,” said Amy Pett of the health and wellness team at Ponderosa Elementary School in Loveland in a letter to UCHealth. “Without your support, guidance, opportunities and prize money, our health and wellness committee would be much less effective. Your work is making an impact on the health of our students.”