As America wrangles daunting issues, no challenge is more urgent than protecting the health and well-being of our children -- now, and as they grow. Over the past several decades we have witnessed childhood obesity grow to epidemic proportions. More than 23 million children and teenagers are overweight or obese. That's roughly one child in every three.
Childhood obesity puts kids at risk for health problems that were once seen only in adults, like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and even stroke. The financial impact is a sobering $14 billion per year in direct health care costs alone. Overweight and obese children have high rates of depression and low self-esteem. The psychosocial consequences can hinder these kids academically and socially and persist into adulthood.
September 2010 was the first National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, established by presidential and congressional proclamations. "Nothing can be more important than protection the health and well-being of our children for years to come. With a strong unity of purpose, we can make a difference for our kids," said Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge, who co-sponsored the House resolution. "I look forward to parents, health care providers, educators, civic leaders, and organizations joining the effort to end childhood obesity."
The good news is that childhood obesity can be prevented. In honor of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, KIDS MOVE and McDonald Army Health Center encourages your family to make healthy changes together.
∙ Get active outside: walk around the neighborhood, go on a bike ride, or play basketball at the park.
∙ Limit screen time: keep screen time (time spent on the computer, watching TV, or playing video games) to 2 hours or less per day.
∙ Make healthy meals: buy and serve more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
∙ Ensure that you and your children are getting adequate hours of sleep at night.
In recognition of National Childhood Obesity Month, McDonald Army Health Cent and Army Community Services, is presenting the eighth session of KIDS MOVE starting September 8, 2014. KIDS MOVE, a family oriented lifestyle program for overweight or obese children ages 6-17, consists of a classroom program providing nutrition and behavior modification education as well as supervised physical activity. The program meets on Mondays and Wednesdays after school/work. The program consisted of two 6 week sessions. For more information contact the program coordinator Dr. Ann Shoemaker, DNP, CPNP at ann.shoemaker@us.army.mil or Keya Tarolli, RN at 757 314-4193.
The fight against childhood obesity gains momentum in September and the results can last a lifetime. All children deserve a healthy start in life; it's our responsibility to make that possible.
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