Hello everyone! My name is Macy Jordan, and I’m a proud student at Ada High School. I’m also an active member of YAHL, a program dedicated to Youth Action for Health Leadership, and I have the privilege of serving on the YAHL Leadership Team.

You might be wondering, "Macy, what exactly is YAHL?" Well, YAHL is an initiative that empowers young people to take charge of their health and well-being. As a child, I was always on the move, playing soccer and dancing.

However, as I’ve grown older, finding time to stay active has become a challenge.

My school day runs from 7 a.m. - 3 p.m., which might seem like plenty of time to be active. But when you factor in eight hours of sleep, band practice on Tuesdays from 6 - 8 p.m., and performing arts rehearsals the rest of the week from 5 - 8 p.m., I’m left with less than an hour each day. And let’s be honest, how many kids are going to spend that precious time being active, especially when some have even busier schedules than mine?

That’s where Elevate Student Health, a program within YAHL, comes in. It aims to promote healthy habits by encouraging schools to offer nutritious food, clean water and ample opportunities for physical activity. While some of my extracurricular activities double as workouts, the school day itself can also play a crucial role. By implementing active learning, allowing movement breaks and providing a variety of physical education options, schools can help students like me find time to be active without disrupting our schedules.

I’ve taken the bold step of reaching out to my school’s faculty to talk about the goals of the Elevate Student Health campaign and how they can bring these ideas to life. After all, what’s the point of talking the talk if you don’t walk the walk? Action is the spark that ignites change, and I want every student to have the opportunity to speak up for their health.

In conclusion, schools have the power to make a significant impact on students’ health by creating environments that support physical activity and healthy living. I believe that with the right support and initiatives, we can all find a balance between our academic responsibilities and our physical well-being.

Thank you for reading my story. I hope it inspires you to think about how we can all work together to promote health and wellness in our communities. If you’re interested in learning more about YAHL and how you can get involved, feel free to reach out!

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Blog Written By: Macy Jordan, Ada High School