Desert Sands Pulls Ahead In Health Challenge

Teachers, students and administrators at the Desert Sands Unified School District have recorded more activity in the past three months than its neighboring school district, it was announced today.

Both districts are taking part in the Coachella Valley Health Collaborative.

So far more than 573 residents have achieved more than 125 million steps, which is about 58,000 miles, according to Mike Singer, a spokesman for California State University San Bernardino's Palm Desert Campus, which houses the CVHC.

Palm Springs Unified School Board members issued a challenge to the Desert Sands Unified School Board earlier this year.

DSUSD is current in the lead, Singer said.

Michael Duran, president of the Desert Sands Unified School District, said his district has been motivated to beat PSUSD.

“I have personally benefited from this program and am absolutely thrilled that the Palm Springs Unified School District challenged us to improve our health,'' Duran said. "Our school board, teachers and staff believe in role modeling healthier lifestyles for our students. We are currently in the lead in the most steps and fully expect to win this challenge.”

Justin Blake, board president of the Palm Springs Unified School District, said his district should not be counted out of the race.

“Even though PSUSD is behind, I feel confident we will increase our activity and eventually win this challenge,'' Blake said. "Our board and district recognize that if our students are healthy and active, they will learn.”

Other challengers include the Alzheimer’s Association, Braille Institute, Family YMCA of the Desert and the HEALNet Project.

Anyone is welcome to join the challenge at www.mywellsite.com/cvhc.