New York Times- Online
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
For the first time in history, we are in danger of raising the first generation of kids who will be sicker and die younger than their parents. Youth who are overweight or obese are at greater risk of being overweight as adults and developing chronic disease at an early age. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that one in three children born in the year 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime.
According to the Community Health Assessment conducted in 2007, the percent of Henderson County children at risk for overweight has risen in all age groups since 1995. Data collected from 2006 showed that Henderson County residents consume more colas per week, prefer fast food to home cooking, and spend leisure time watching TV instead of being physically active.
The grant's Eat Smart, Move More campaign will increase awareness about the need to prepare meals at home, reduce TV time, move more every day, look at portion sizes and beverage choices and eat more fruits and vegetables. Since parents and caregivers are the ones preparing meals and doing the grocery shopping, they are a key group to reach with messages about healthy eating and physical activity.