The Network for a Healthy California – Sierra Cascade Region selected Karen Pautz, executive director of First 5 Siskiyou Children and Families Commission, as a Healthy Hero for her work promoting healthy lifestyles in Siskiyou County.
Pautz was recognized because of her supportive attitude towards integrating nutrition and physical activity into First 5 Siskiyou County services, according to a press release. “Not only has she incorporated health into her own program, she has also made it possible for 10 Siskiyou Family Resource Centers/Community Resource Centers to receive First 5 funds specifically for nutrition and physical activity promotion.”
“Since partnering with the Sierra Cascade Nutrition and Activity Consortium (SCNAC) in 2004, Karen Pautz, First 5 Siskiyou and the Family/Community Resource Centers have been expanding their nutrition and physical activity resources and activities to battle the obesity epidemic and improve the eating habits of 0–5 years olds and their families,” said Michelle Harris, a nutrition education specialist. “Karen's support and motivation to implement more nutrition education in the First 5 program and Family/Community Resource Centers has been vital.”
Pautz was praised for spreading her enthusiasm to the directors and staff members of the FRC/CRCs whose activities now include nutrition and physical activity.
Pautz “also sets a great example of being healthy through her daily exercise routine and her goal of climbing Mt. Shasta, for which she is currently training.”
“Karen Pautz is a dynamic individual who has been a key asset for First 5 Siskiyou's success,” Harris said.
The Healthy Hero award, given on a quarterly basis, was developed to honor local businesses, schools and outstanding individuals promoting healthy lifestyles to residents of the North State.
The Network for a Healthy California–Sierra Cascade Region represents 12 Northern California counties and encourages low-income residents to increase their fruit and vegetable consumption and be physically active as part of a healthy lifestyle.
For more information visit www.scnutrition.org or call (530) 345-2483.