Childhood Obesity Rates for RBUSD Drops, Get Ready for Back to School and A Note from Our CEO

August 25, 2023

Beach Cities Volunteer Day and LiveWell Kids Continue

to be a Preventive Health Success!

Beach Cities Volunteer Day on Wednesday, August 9, at Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach elementary schools, was an overwhelming success in support of the LiveWell Kids Program! With more than 120 volunteers and nine organizations in attendance, the school gardens were revitalized for the upcoming academic year. The invaluable assistance of volunteers and BCHD staff made a significant impact on the school gardens thanks to everyone's participation and support.

Beach Cities Volunteer Day provided an opportunity to improve the health of our community through volunteerism. Engaging in simple acts of volunteering can yield numerous health benefits, including increased life satisfaction, stronger social connections and improved longevity.

Beach Cities Health District’s LiveWell Kids program was originally created in response to a high rate of obesity – 20 percent in 2007 among Redondo Beach Unified School District (RBUSD) elementary school students. Since the program’s inception, with its focus on nutrition and garden education, there has been a 70.5% decline in RBUSD student obesity and in 2020, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) published a case study detailing the success of the LiveWell Kids program. “Stopping obesity among our young people is a critical step and these findings are particularly impressive because they were sustained and observed across all public elementary schools, grade levels and demographic groups,” said Paul Simon, M.D., M.P.H., Chief Science Officer for the LACDPH.

BCHD is commemorating “25 years of Preventive Health Success,” highlighting the numerous successes and accomplishments the health district has achieved on behalf of the residents of Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach through its 40+ programs and services. For more information, visit bchd.org/25years.

A Special Note from our CEO, Tom Bakaly

Get Healthy with your Back-to-School Routine

The start of a new school year is a fresh start for students and families and a great opportunity to establish routines that help students thrive academically, emotionally and socially. It’s a good time to gather as a family and commit to some new healthy habits. Successfully adapting to new routines takes planning, so here are some resources.

Gallup Well-Being Survey Launches in September

Gallup is partnering with BCHD to conduct an important study about well-being. The short survey is the first step in understanding more about people who live in the Beach Cities. Residents will be selected at random to participate in the survey. Individual responses are voluntary and will remain completely confidential. Thank you in advance for your continued support.

Flex Kids Club Membership is Back at AdventurePlex!

Flex Kids Club offers a variety of activities and programs for kids 12 and younger. Kids can enjoy access to the play structure's five levels, as well as the imaginative play zone that features a farm, grocery store and beach house to foster healthy behaviors and farm-to-table nutrition. Special events and activity days with bounce houses and inflatables are also included with membership! Plus, parents can join in on the fun with their children and enjoy free admission to the play structure.

Pricing:

$49 First Child
$39 Each added Sibling

Kids Club Membership Includes:

The play structure includes five levels for little ones to explore, and ToddlerTown an imaginative play zone features an interactive farm, grocery store and beach home to encourage healthy behaviors and farm-to-table nutrition concepts.
Access to Kids Club events throughout the year
Activity days with bounce houses and inflatables
2 Buddy Passes for Drop-In-Play at joining
Monthly Newsletter

Become a Member

emerge & see

Saturday, August 26

5 - 8 p.m.

Join us for "emerge & see," a never-before-seen interactive creative arts experience! We’ll be hosting an epic event where the audience and emerging youth musicians create original songs together in a fun contest format. There will be food, music and time to get creative with friends.

The winning musician will get the opportunity to play their music at next year’s BeachLife music festival AND audience members can win tickets to next month’s BeachLife Ranch.

Free Fitness Series: Zumba in the Park

Join us Monday, August 28 at 6:30 p.m. for our final Free Fitness workout of the summer at Julia Field at Alta Vista Park in Redondo Beach. Bring water, a towel and a smile. Hope to see you there!

Julia Field, Alta Vista Park

715 Julia Ave.

Redondo Beach, CA 90277

For more information on the Beach Cities Free Fitness Series, please visit bchd.org/freefitness.

Blue Zones Project Social Hour

Join Beach Cities Health District for Blue Zones Project Social Hour, an opportunity to experience good company and practice some of the Power 9 Principles of Longevity including Down Shift and Right Tribe. Join us to connect with others and try dishes inspired by Blue Zones Project at a Blue Zones Project Approved Restaurant.

Wednesday, August 30

4 - 6 p.m.

Bettolino Kitchen

211 Palos Verdes Blvd,

Redondo Beach, CA 90277

Social Hour with BCHD Care Manager Charlotte Barnett

If you have a question regarding community resources, want to learn more about Beach Cities Health District or share and learn ways to keep busy, please join us! These meetings are for all, a place to connect and feel heard.

First & Third Tuesday of the Month, Virtual

(September 5 & 19)

10 – 11 a.m.

Zoom link: https://bchd-org.zoom.us/j/87651635014

2nd Mondays, In person

(September 11)

2 – 3 p.m.

Manhattan Beach Joslyn Center, Sunset Room

1601 N Valley Dr, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Learn More

Virtual Mindfulness Drop-In

Take 30 minutes to downshift and practice mindfulness techniques. The guided session will be led by a trained Beach Cities Health District instructor.

First Wednesday of the Month

(September 6)

4 – 4:30 p.m.

Virtual Happiness Chats

This is a casual discussion group with light-hearted activities to spark conversation. Share ideas, tips, resources, jokes, quotes – anything that supports our happiness!

Second Tuesday of the Month

(September 12)

12:30 – 1 p.m.

QPR Suicide Prevention Training

During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, BCHD is hosting a QPR Suicide Prevention training to help individuals recognize warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to Question, Persuade and Refer someone to get help. Learn skills to engage someone in crisis to discuss their distress, provide hope and refer them to someone who can formally assess and intervene.

Tuesday, September 12

4 – 5 p.m.

Beach Cities Health District

514 N. Prospect Ave.

Lower Level, Beach Cities Room

Redondo Beach, CA 90277

Hybrid Board of Directors Meetings

BCHD holds public board meetings on the fourth Wednesday of every month (except August and December). Residents are encouraged to attend board meetings either via Zoom or in BCHD’s Beach Cities Room - Lower Level, 514 N. Prospect Ave. in Redondo Beach. You may also contact board members directly with questions or comments, or call 310-374-3426, ext. 8213.

Regular Board Meeting

Wednesday, September 27

6:30 p.m.

Visit Our Website

Mental Health First Aid Training

BCHD will host Mental Health First Aid trainings from the National Council for Mental Health. Similar to CPR training, individuals will learn how to provide support to people experiencing mental health challenges. It is an eight-hour training that requires two hours of pre-work and six hours of in-person instruction.

At this training, you'll learn how to assess risk factors, provide initial support and connect individuals to professional resources, when needed.

Friday, October 13

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Beach Cities Health District

514 N. Prospect Ave.

Beach Cities Room, Lower Level

Redondo Beach, CA 90277