CATCH Champion for September 2007

An Interview with Judy LoBianco

Supervisor of Health, Physical Activity

and Nursing Services

What prompted you to be an advocate and champion of children's health?

Over the past fourteen years that I've been in teaching and supervision, the face of physical education has changed dramatically. We have gone from a profession that defends itself, to a profession that is respected for having the answers to many serious health and social issues. When I assumed a leadership role as supervisor of my department, I became dedicated to making sure that I would advocate to students, staff and administrators that raising healthy children is everyone's responsibility.

When did you adopt the CATCH Program and what prompted you to do so?

I had been hearing about CATCH through Flaghouse for many years and when I had a chance to look at the evidence-based research data out of the University of Texas , I knew that I wanted to part of this program for several reasons. The program's reputation stands for itself. It's a unique approach to health and physical education and it's role in our public schools. The thing that sets it apart is that it is a complete saturation of messages of promoting physical activity and healthy eating habits through the entire school community. It truly brings to life the phrase, “it takes a village to raise a child”…in this case it takes a village to raise a “healthy” child. As a result, we have begun implementing CATCH in our first of 6 elementary schools this school year.

Describe notable changes since implementing CATCH and how you know CATCH is working.

Within days of our CATCH school staff training, a grade level classroom teacher told me that she learned things she never knew before. Over the course of 2 weeks, she lost 3 pounds implementing the information she had learned in the training. She called the school district where her own children go to school and asked that the school serve water with her child's snack at snack time and the district replied that they never received a request like that. Another grade level teacher told me that this is the impetus she needed to get her students help in order to lose weight and eat healthier. This elementary school has embraced the program and cannot wait to affect change over time.

What are the keys to your success?

The keys to our success so far is the knowledge that where ever we will bring CATCH, child health and wellness is something that communities will always agree on. There is nothing we are “selling” that isn't something that people don't believe in.

What was your most significant barrier and how did you overcome the challenge?

There was a lot of resistance as I went from elementary school to elementary school in the district to discuss CATCH. Classroom teachers were concerned that they would be responsible for teaching health education along with their other, already overburdened, workload. My teachers were relieved to discover that it merely an infusion of a common language and lessons into what they are already teaching. It is a philosophy and a mindfulness that healthy, active students are better learners.

What advice can you offer for those just beginning and for those who have already implemented the CATCH Program.

-Rely on your CATCH team

-Slowly discuss the program and use the evidence-based research

-Introduce the PE activity boxes to your PE Teachers (they love ‘em)

-Start conversations with the principal, you cannot succeed without their support

-Advocate outside the profession at all times, not just about CATCH, but about child health and wellness, make it a part of your job.

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