More than 23 million children and teenagers in the U.S., and nearly 40% of 10-14 year olds in Mendocino County are obese or overweight, statistics that health and medical experts consider an epidemic. While obesity rates have soared among all age groups in this country, obesity is a particularly grave concern for children.
Childhood obesity puts nearly one third of America’s children at early risk for Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and even stroke – conditions usually associated with adulthood.
It’s not too late for our children. Every September, National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month (COAM), gives elected officials, educators, physicians, and you the opportunity to take a stand and fight childhood obesity. This year, there are dozens of ways you can help bring the message back to your state, city, workplace, school, and home.
As kids are headed back to school, it’s a good time to examine the positive role that schools can play in obesity prevention. Read more about how in this article from the Harvard School of Public Health. Click here
Need some more ideas to get you started? Download a toolkit which offers quick, easy ways you can get involved. Click here
Author:
Tarney Sheldon
Resource Date:
September 1, 2015
Resource Type:
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