*Welkom* to our blog! We are the 2008 Group Study Exchange team representing Rotary District 7620 which includes Central Maryland and Washington DC. We will be visiting District 1600, located in the southwestern part of the Netherlands as a part of a professional exchange with members from their district. This exchange is a part of the greater goal of the Rotary Club to promote world peace through the exchange of ideas and the understanding of other cultures. District 1600 includes Rotterdam and The Hague, which are the second and third largest cities in the Netherlands, following Amsterdam. We will be in the Netherlands from April 26 through May 24, during which, we will live with host families, give presentations to several Rotary Clubs and visit vocational sites related to our respective professions. Most of all, we will be immersed in Dutch culture and have many wonderful experiences. We hope you will enjoy reading about our experiences and adventures! *Dank u*

Thursday, May 15, 2008

The GGD (Intermunicipal Health Department)



Thanks to Jorriena de Jongh for arranging this visit to the Gemeenschapplelijke Gezondheidsdienst Zuidhollandse Eilanden (GGD), the intermunicipal health department serving 15 municipalities. Jorriena was my hostess while in Hellevoetsluis and is an alderwoman for this town. Her primary focus is health care, youth and culture, among other very important ssues.

I was keen to learn about current programs in overweight and obesity prevention. One such project was a primary school based anti-overweight/obesity program called Maatje te Veel (A size too much). This program engaged not only the students, but also the parents, teachers and the community. The program focused on nutrition education and making healthier choices. So far the program seems to be well received by the participants. Hopefully it can be expanded to other school in the future. (Picture: Deborah Cook and Jorriena de Jongh sitting in the lobby of the GGD)

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