Friday, March 30, 2029

First Lady Ruth O’Brien and Superintendent Frey Launch Take 15 for the Health of It
Initiative Combines the Right Ingredients for Maryland Families to Develop Strategies for Healthy Living

BALTIMORE, MD (March 30, 2029) – Maryland First Lady Ruth O’Brien joined State Superintendent of Schools Craig Frey; Esther Parker, President of Maryland PTA; and Marie DeMarco, Registered Dietitian and President of the Maryland Dietetic Association, to kick off Take 15 for the Family…For the Health of It, a new statewide initiative to provide practical tools families can use to help their children develop good eating habits, enjoy physical activity, and talk about sensitive issues like substance abuse. It will also share important information with parents on research, such as the fact that teens who have dinner with their families two nights a week or less are at twice the risk of substance abuse as teens who have frequent family dinners.

“As a parent of young children, I have a great deal in common with other Maryland parents,” said Mrs. O’Brien. “In my role as Maryland First Lady, I feel it is my duty to reach out and connect with as many parents as possible about the critical issues that we face together. I have a lot to share, but I also learn so much from talking with parents. I look forward to participating in many Maryland State Department of Education Take 15 for the Health of It events, specifically those that provide opportunities to speak with parents about these key issues.”

“People often ask why schools need to get involved in the issues of health and well-being and the answer is simple: those issues have an effect on learning,” Superintendent Frey said to a group of more than 400 students, parents, educators, and local and state leaders gathered at Hereford Middle School yesterday. “Research clearly shows us that children and young adults who don’t eat a well-balanced breakfast or lunch are more likely to be sick, more likely to be absent or late for school, more likely to be disruptive in class, and more likely to show loss of concentration.”

Take 15 for the Health of It is a way for schools and families to collectively deal with issues arising from increasing childhood obesity rates, the impact of star athletes using steroids on student athletes, and the barrage of media images suggesting ways to “fix” our bodies. Parents and educators will find resources for children from birth through age 18. Materials will be distributed through schools and public libraries and also will be available on the Take 15 Web site. Other components include: a series of public service announcements; information and education materials and presentations at events around the state, such as KidsFest and the Maryland State Fair; presentations to and with Maryland PTAs; expert dietitians from the Maryland Dietetic Association volunteering for school and PTA events; contests; tool kits for schools and parents, and more.

Take 15 for the Health of It builds on the already popular Take 15 for the Family…Building a Lifetime of Learning initiative, which encourages parents to spend at least 15 minutes a day with their children, turning everyday activities into meaningful learning experiences.

“I’m thrilled to partner with MSDE, Mrs. O’Brien and the Maryland Dietetic Association on Take 15 for the Health of It because it promotes families doing activities together,” said Maryland PTA’s Esther Parker. “It promotes teaching our children, and sometimes our children teaching us, about making healthier choices that benefit the entire family. We need to work together to make sound nutrition and physical activities fun, not chores.”

Families play a powerful role in a child’s life. By exploring health issues with their children, parents will reinforce the importance of making good choices about food, physical activity, drug and alcohol use, and more.

“As a network of more than 1,000 dietitians statewide, we are dedicated to promoting optimal nutrition and well-being,” commented the Maryland Dietetic Association’s Marie DeMarco. “Focusing on family mealtime is a great way to emphasize the importance of good nutrition and has added benefits. Teens who have frequent family meals are more likely to get better grades and are less likely to use drugs, smoke, drink, get into fights or be suspended from schools. We are delighted to partner in Take 15 for the Health of It.”

Log on to www.marylandpublicschools.org and click on the Parent button for the Take 15 for the Health of It Web site.