K-State Announces Partnership to Encourage Healthy Living

MANHATTAN, Kan. –  In an effort to inspire all Kansans to live a healthy lifestyle, K-State has partnered with the Kansas Health Foundation and Stormont Vail Health to form the Powercat Health Partnership.
 
Chronic illnesses resulting from lack of activity, poor nutrition and too little time outdoors are on the rise, especially among children, and the following five simple steps can lead to a path of improved health:

• Being physically active.
• Consuming healthy foods.
• Living tobacco free.
• Accessing preventive health care.
• Getting involved in your community.

"We are proud to partner with the Kansas Health Foundation and Stormont Vail Health to help encourage a more active and healthy lifestyle for all Kansas residents," K-State Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. "In a time where schedules and routines are extremely fast-paced and busy, staying active, eating healthy and seeing a doctor regularly are just three simple steps that we hope all Kansans will choose to make a part of their daily lifestyle."

"In Kansas, we continue to see high obesity rates for adults and children and tobacco use above the national average," said Steve Coen, president and CEO of the Kansas Health Foundation. "The Kansas Health Foundation provides funding to partner organizations across the state to encourage healthy behaviors, especially for vulnerable populations. This strong partnership with Kansas State University and Stormont Vail through Powercat Health will expand our reach to increase awareness of healthier eating, more physical activity and reducing tobacco use for all Kansans."
 
Throughout the campaign, fans are encouraged to enter the #powercathealth photo contest at k-statesports.com/powercathealth by submitting photos of healthy lifestyle choices through Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #powercathealth. Winners will be chosen with prize packs including suite tickets to a Wildcat football game, a fitbit, Bluetooth headphones and other K-State "fitness" accessories.
 
Through the partnership the Kansas Health Foundation and Stormont Vail Health will donate:

• $300 per field goal made throughout the football season.
• $30 per 3-point shot made throughout the men's basketball season.
• Donations will be used by the Kansas Recreation and Parks Association on a statewide health and wellness initiative.

"On behalf of Stormont Vail Health I am proud to say 'Go Cats!' as we join forces with K-State and the Kansas Health Foundation to encourage all Kansans to live healthier," added Randy Peterson, President and CEO of Stormont Vail Health.  "Partnerships like this one have a greater impact on our communities than one organization working alone. Stormont Vail Health has been serving eastern Kansas for more than 130 years and our Cotton O'Neil Manhattan location proudly serves this community. Together, with all Wildcat fans, we have an opportunity to change the health forecast for a generation of Kansans. We couldn't pass up that opportunity."
 
"The Kansas Recreation & Park Association is grateful to be part of the Powercat Health Partnership, which will provide critical funding to help Recreation and Park agencies throughout the state offer affordable and accessible programs and services," said Erika Devore, Executive Director of the Kansas Recreation and Parks Association. "Kansas' Recreation and Park agencies provide healthy eating and active living opportunities in local communities statewide. These programs are a wonderful resource for all Kansans who want to be healthier, no matter their age."
 
For more information and to enter the #powercathealth photo contest, visit www.k-statesports.com/powercathealth.