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CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) The North Dakota Cancer Coalition has awarded the Young People’s Healthy Heart Program at Mercy Hospital  with a 00 community grant. The hospital applied for the grant as one of the Barnes ON THE MOVE Partnership members.

Sharon Buhr and Andrea Winter, licensed registered dietitians at Mercy Hospital, say the grant is targeted to reduce the risk of developing cancer by encouraging individuals in Barnes County to set a physical activity goal, join ON THE MOVE and exercise more. In addition ON THE MOVE partners will be working with county schools to challenge all kindergarten through grade 6 students to do at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily.

Barnes ON THE MOVE partners will also be joining the Valley City Public Schools to promote their new Wellness Policy and with TL Childcare to establish a new policy related to healthy meals and snacks.  All of the grant objectives are targeted at reducing cancer risk through healthy eating and increasing exercise.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in North Dakota. Approximately 41% of the  U.S. population will develop cancer during their lifetime.

Winter says one third of all cancer deaths in the U.S. are linked to diet and physical activity. Buhr says through exercise and eating healthy along with early detection, and treatment the number of people that die from cancer will be significantly reduced. 
 
For more information please contact either Sharon Buhr or Andrea Winter at Young People’s Healthy Heart Program at Mercy Hospital 845-6456.

To learn more about the North Dakota Cancer Coalition, go to www.ndcancercoalition.org