Health and Wellness

The members of the Ohio Children’s Hospital Association focus on supporting public policy that supports health and wellness for Ohio’s children.. By preventing injury and chronic illness in our youngest citizens, OCHA members are working to ensure a healthy future for our state.


 

HealthyChoices
DECREASING AND PREVENTING CHILDHOOD OBESITY

Currently, OCHA led efforts to pass the Healthy Choices for Healthy Children legislation (Amended Substitute Senate Bill 210), which was signed into law by Governor Strickland on June 18, 2010.

The legislation helps make Ohio a national leader in addressing childhood obesity by comprehensively addressing childhood obesity through a three-pronged approach in a setting where we know we can have an immediate impact – Ohio schools. The legislation encourages nutritious food choices, increases physical activity, improves physical education and requires Body Mass Index screenings of students.

OCHA helped coordinate the creation of the Healthy Choices for Healthy Children coalition, a statewide group of health care providers, child advocates, business leaders and other stakeholders, to support this important first step toward addressing the epidemic of childhood obesity in Ohio.

OCHA will continue to work to address the complex issue of childhood obesity through the coalition and other legislative and programatic efforts.


 

SUPPORTING THE USE OF BOOSTER SEATS FOR OHIO’S CHILDREN

On October 7, 2009, House Bill 320 of the 127th General Assembly took effect, requiring children age 4-8 to be restrained in a booster seat while riding in a car. Members of the Ohio Children’s Hospital Association are promoting this new law and also helping Ohio families comply through various education and outreach programs.


 

ENCOURAGING THE USE OF BIKE HELMETS BY OHIO CHILDREN

OCHA is encouraging the Ohio General Assembly to pass legislation (House Bill 93) that would require minors to wear bike helmets while riding a bike or in a seat or trailer. The legislation fines anyone failing to comply with the law $25, and the money is used to pay for helmets for low-income children.

According to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, up to 88 percent of head injuries in bike accidents could be prevented with helmet use.

 

ADDRESSING PREMATURITY IN OHIO    

Additionally, prematurity dramatically affects the health of children in Ohio, and is a leading cause of increased health care costs. Children’s hospitals are working to address the complex issue of prematurity by improving perinatal outcomes and health — reducing premature births and infant mortality.