Let's Put an End to Childhood Obesity

by Connie Martin

As trusted community leaders, faith-based and neighborhood organizations are key partners in ending childhood obesity and hunger.  In February 2010, First Lady Michelle Obama launched an initiative called "Let's Move!"  The goal of this initiative is to solve the problem of childhood obesity within a generation so that kids born today reach adulthood at a healthy weight.

In keeping with this initiative, the Mosque Foundation was honored to welcome Dr. James Galloway, Assistant Surgeon General & Regional Health Administrator of Region V in Illinois, to enlighten the community about the necessary steps to ensure the health of our children.  The statistics are startling - nearly one in three children in America are overweight or obese.  The results of this epidemic are increased risks for serious chronic health problems such as asthma, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.  At this rate, Dr. Galloway pointed out, this generation of youth might have shorter life spans than their parents!

It's not too late to resolve these issues if serious changes in lifestyles are made.  Dr. Galloway suggested among other points that children learn through example, so parents should adopt and maintain healthy eating habits and plan daily physical activities and exercise for themselves and their children.  Simple changes such as using smaller plates to limit portion sizes and offering fruits rather than chips and cookies as snacks can have a huge impact. Parents can also write letters to their local school board districts to demand healthy school lunch options. 

For more information about the "Let's Move!" initiative, visit www.letsmove.gov.