Large community event to be held May 12 in Kohl’s parking lot
In February, CoxHealth, CMN Hospitals and Kohl’s Department Stores announced a new program called Kohl’s CARDIAC Kids. The program is working to address the growing problem of childhood obesity in the Ozarks by identifying kids ages 6-18 who are at higher risk for obesity and heart disease, and teaching them and their families how to live a healthier lifestyle.
Saturday, May 12, from 8 – 11 a.m., CoxHealth, CMN Hospitals and Kohl’s will host a community event in the Kohl’s Department Store parking lot at 1909 E. Independence St. in Springfield. The event will include FREE health and wellness screenings for kids, including a cholesterol screening. The first 500 kids to participate will receive a $10 Kohl’s gift card. Screening results will be analyzed, and results mailed to each child’s home. Kids and their families will be encouraged to attend one of two Kohl’s CARDIAC Kids Family Fun Nights coming up in June, where they’ll learn more about eating well and staying active, participate in fun activities and prepare a healthy snack.
“We know that Missouri is the 10th leading state for cardiovascular disease, and 11th for the prevalence of obesity,” says Lauren Holland, CoxHealth wellness instructor and coordinator of the Kohl’s CARDIAC Kids program. “Yet there are so many people who don’t know the basics on being active and eating healthy. We may not be able to revolutionize everything about someone’s life, but we can plant a seed and help them make small changes.”
Registration is not required for the May 12 event, however participating children should not eat anything for 8 hours prior to having their blood drawn, and do need to bring their Social Security card. For more information about Kohl’s CARDIAC Kids, call CoxHealth at 236-2596.
The Kohl’s CARDIAC Kids program is made possible by a $45,020 grant from the Kohl’s Cares foundation.
About CMN Hospitals: Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals of CoxHealth is a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance for sick and injured children living in the Ozarks. All proceeds benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ projects such as the C.A.R.E. Mobile, purchase medical equipment, provide financial assistance to children’s families and more. CoxHealth underwrites all administrative expenses of the charity locally, so that every dollar raised stays in our community and helps children. For more information on Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals or to donate, visit www.coxhealth.com/cmn.
About CoxHealth: CoxHealth is Springfield’s only locally owned, not-for-profit health system. It is accredited by The Joint Commission and distinguished as one of the nation’s Top 100 Integrated Healthcare Systems (2006-2012). To learn more, visit www.coxhealth.com.
About Kohl’s Department Stores
Based in Menomonee Falls, Wis., Kohl’s (NYSE: KSS) is a family-focused, value-oriented specialty department store offering moderately priced, exclusive and national brand apparel, shoes, accessories, beauty and home products in an exciting shopping environment. With a commitment to environmental leadership, Kohl’s operates 1,097 stores in 49 states. In support of the communities it serves, Kohl’s has raised more than $180 million for children’s initiatives nationwide through its Kohl’s Cares® cause merchandise program, which operates under Kohl’s Cares, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kohl’s Department Stores, Inc. For a list of store locations and information, or for the added convenience of shopping online, visit www.Kohls.com.
