Santa Ernest Berger
Acting Vice President, Santa Public Health Programs
308 Belrose Ave
Suite 200 East
Daphne, Alabama 36526
251-626-6609
Cell 251-656-8877
santaernest@santa-america.org
ernestberger@bellsouth.net
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Santa America is addressing growing issues affecting the health of our children. Santa America has identified four priorities for our focus:

1. Combat Childhood Obesity with a positive Santa role model.
2. Educate the public about Adolescent Diabetes.
3. Promote hand “Santa-Tizers” which reduce the spread of germs by contact.
4. Campaign for a Healthy Santa lifestyle.

Over the past decade, childhood obesity rates in America have tripled. Nearly 1 of 3 children are now obese. Some causes that contribute to this increase include lack of exercise, poor nutrition & eating habits and modern day lifestyle. Santa can provide both a message and a role model in our schools and public health events.

Adolescent Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in children and adolescents. Type 2 diabetes was mainly found in adults who were overweight and age 40 or older. Now, as more children and adolescents in the United States become overweight and inactive, type 2 diabetes occurs in young people. Santa can provide an effective message to our children.

“Santa-Tizing” is what we describe as using alcohol based hand cleaners which reportedly kill up to 99% of germs. Santa America encourages children to take the “Santa Oath” and “Santa-Tize” their hands frequently to kill germs which can be spread by contact. Children are also encouraged to sneeze in a tissue or in the crease of their elbow.

Encourage a healthy Santa Lifestyle and Role Model. Our goal is to improve the health of Santa by eating a balanced diet, exercising, maintaining appropriate weight and getting annual vaccinations.

Santa and Mrs. Claus can join one or all of our public health initiatives. Please contact me for further information on how you can serve.

Santa Ernest
Acting VP, Public Health Programs