Play a role in helping to end childhood obesity

• Children's Health • • Obesity • Mar 15, 10

First Lady Michelle Obama recently launched a new campaign, Let’s Move, designed to eliminate childhood obesity in a generation.

“It’s an ambitious goal, but we don’t have time to wait,” said Mrs. Obama.

Combating childhood obesity will be quite an undertaking, considering that the number of obese children in the U.S. has quadrupled since 1960. Most obese adolescents become obese adults, setting the stage for dangerous health conditions, such as heart disease, stroke and some forms of cancer. Currently, some 32 percent of America’s children are overweight or obese.

At the Boys & Girls Club of Vineland, we understand the urgency of this situation. For the last five years, we have been working hard in the battle against childhood obesity. Through programs such as Triple Play and Healthy Habits, we teach young people how to not only eat better, but also increase the number of hours they spend engaging in physical activity and strengthen their abilities to form healthy relationships.

We know these programs work. An independent, in-depth study by Youth Development Strategies, Inc. shows that Triple Play participants, especially girls, significantly increased their daily amount of physical activity compared to their peers outside the program. In addition, participating Boys & Girls Club members have shown an increase in overall nutrition knowledge and feeling of control over their own lives.

Despite these encouraging results, there is still a long way to go to solve the childhood obesity epidemic. As Mrs. Obama said during her press conference announcing the initiative, every American has a part to play in resolving this issue, including nonprofit organizations, businesses, medical professionals, as well as parents and schools. Each of us has a stake in this battle—whether it’s because of a personal connection with someone who is struggling with these issues, or simply a desire to reduce health care costs. That means we all can, and must, play a role in solving this problem.

Eating well, exercising regularly and making good lifestyle choices help lay the foundation for success. Studies prove that a healthy lifestyle keeps young minds more alert, and can also boost confidence and self-esteem.

Solving this dangerous problem is a tall order. But it can be done if we lead by example, encourage our children to become more physically active and support local youth development organizations, such as Boys & Girls Clubs.

If we all play a part, we can ensure long, healthy lives for generations to come.

Chris Volker
Director
Boys & Girls Club of Vineland