September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month and is a great time for us to take stock of where we are in the “Winnable Battle” of combatting obesity. Last month, we got some good news from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that obesity rates in children and adults are leveling off after decades of going up.
Now we’ve learned that we are also making progress in school policies to promote healthy eating and physical activity. CDC just released the 2012 School Health Policies and Practices Study which shows the amazing changes that have occurred in schools to help students be healthy and ready-to-learn. For example, the number of school districts that prohibit offering junk food in vending machines has increased from just 4.1% in 2000 to nearly half in 2012 (43.3%).
Even with these encouraging signs, there is still work to do. The childhood obesity epidemic puts nearly one third of America’s children at risk for Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease – conditions usually associated with adulthood. Even greater disparities exist among young Hispanics and children of color. There are opportunities every day to change these trends and the results can last a lifetime. All children deserve a healthy start in life and it’s our responsibility to make that possible. Let’s use Childhood Obesity Month to renew our resolve and use this opportunity to build awareness and take action where we live, learn, work, play, and receive care throughout Arizona.
The Departments of Economic Security and Health Services are working together to raise awareness of childhood obesity . I invite you to view a similar blog piece by my agency counterpart, Director Clarence Carter.
Thank for your encouraging message, as we work together to decrease the rate of obesity for children as well as adults.
Hi Will,
As this is the month of childhood obesity awareness so we must work more to bring awareness in parents regarding childhood obesity so it will easy for them to handle their kids accordingly. Parents must watch what their kids meal plans and engage them in regular physical activities to deal with obesity.
A Small Win for Childhood Obesity Prevention, childhood obesity is also a family affair. Parents can make a difference in helping their child maintain a healthy weight by preparing healthy meals, encouraging more physical activity and reducing screen time.
Obesity
The fight to end childhood obesity will be a series of small batlles won before the end of the “war”. Little victories like the rates of obesity leveling should be celebrated, and I thank your site for doing so. Even if the rates are not yet going down at least they are no longer rising. The collaboration of parents encouraging and ensuring proper amounts of exercise and the schools reinforcing this while providing nutritious school lunches will help the cause tremendously and will aid in the continuation of these positive findings.
Its really nice posting. I think it would be helpful for all. Thank you for sharing with us.
Obesity