New York Daily News
Michelle Obama
President Barack Obama has declared September 2011 National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Childhood obesity is a major concern in our nation as a third of American children are considered overweight or obese. These children face serious medical concerns such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and certain types of cancer.
On February 9, 2010, First Lady Michelle Obama launched the Let’s Move campaign. She stated “The physical and emotional health of an entire generation and the economic health and security of our nation is at stake." Since that launch she has brought together Federal agencies, corporations and non-profit organizations to help solve the problem of childhood obesity. The focus of this campaign is to encourage children to eat healthier foods and become more physical activity. To learn more about Let’s Move visit www.letsmove.gov
Schools play a major role in providing healthy food choices and opportunities for physical activity. The Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act signed into law last December has helped to provide much needed reform of child nutrition programs in school including the types of foods that are purchased and also how food is prepared.
Leading an active lifestyle is best modeled by healthy, active parents. There are also many sporting and extra-curricular activities outside of school that incorporate physical activity that children enjoy. Parents must make physical activity fun and accessible.
Developing health habits at a young age can lead our children to happy, healthy lives and allow them to reach their true potential. President Obama stated “I urge all Americans to help us meet our goal of solving the problem of childhood obesity within a generation” in his recent proclamation on National Childhood Obesity Month. Read the entire proclamation at www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/08/31/presidential-proclamation-national-childhood-obesity-awareness-month
