This school year, Oakwood and Tyee Park Elementary Schools have hosted Family Health and Fitness Nights to teach families about heart health. More than 600 students, parents and staff attended the events. Together, the families enjoyed dinner, snacks and physical activities.
“Heart health is about the whole family, so special events like these provide information for every member of the family and include tips on how parents and children can work together to improve their health,” said Brittany Krein, worksite wellness and family programs manager with the Hope Heart Institute.

Tyee Park Elementary second-grader Seth Stebbins tasted flavored water as an option to juices and sodas. Oakwood and Tyee Park Elementary Schools held Family Health and Fitness Nights this year to teach families about heart health. Photo credit: Heidi Crawford.
Each year, nine elementary schools in Washington state are chosen for the program based on need. The Hope Heart Institute and Molina Healthcare collaborated with the schools throughout the entire planning process, providing resources and conducting evaluations. The two organizations covered the costs for each event, which ranged between $500 and $1,000.
“A healthy child is a better learner,” said district nurse, Susan Keller, RN. “Promoting health in the school and community can help with student achievement by improving attendance and setting them up for success!”
Both schools already promote “Ready, Set, Go! 5210,” a community-based initiative in Pierce County to promote healthy lifestyle choices for children, youth and families along with other health initiatives.
The Hope Heart Institute has a 50-year history of revolutionary medical advances and educational curriculums that make heart disease — America’s No. 1 cause of death — more treatable and preventable. Molina Healthcare’s mission is to provide quality health services to financially vulnerable families and individuals covered by government programs.
Tom Tucker says
According to SEC filings, in 2012 Dr. Mario Molina received total compensation of $4,951,315 and John Molina received $2,965,925. In 2013, according to morningstar.com, the same CEO earned 11,903,124 and CFO 6,362,104. Together the five top executives alone were paid more than 26 million. Not to mention stocks worth millions more. The news reports always say Molina Healthcare serves the under served. Maybe it should be called Millionaire Healthcare.