September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month,
and in an effort to promote awareness of obesity and its negative
effects on children and their families, communities across the country
are highlighting ways that parents, schools, local advocates and even
businesses can work together to help families make the shift to
healthier lifestyles.
Obesity rates have increased for Americans in recent
decades due to diets high in salt, sugar and fat, and childhood obesity
rates have also increased. In fact, according to the Center for Disease
Control one out of every three children are obese or overweight before
their fifth birthday. These children are five times as likely to be
overweight or obese as adults, and are at risk for many weight-related
chronic illnesses including diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
For this reason, many communities are taking steps to
discourage unhealthy eating habits, promote exercise and help parents
and caregivers get better access to locally-grown, nutritious food. In
California’s San Joaquin Valley, where obesity rates are among the
highest in the country and income levels among the lowest, community
advocates have formed the Central California Regional Obesity Prevention
Project (CCROPP) to train local residents on how to enact small, but
important changes—like replacing sugary drinks for children with water,
and selling fresh produce to families on local school grounds. CCROPP
has also developed a 10-step guide to help parents learn how to convince
vendors at farmers’ markets to accept payments from public benefits
programs.
In other communities, poor access to recreational areas
like parks has sparked parents and caregivers to work with city planners
and educators to open up unused spaces for this purpose. El Sereno
Arroyo Recreation Area in east Los Angeles is an example of a community
effort to build a much-needed playground for children. Funded in part by
First 5 Commission, this community-built park includes a space called
the “Nature Play Garden” that is specially designed for children under
age 5, as well as other connected areas for older family members and
adults.
Obesity has many long-term effects for children and
adults as they suffer the physical and economic impacts of its related
illnesses. By working together to find simple solutions for healthier
living and eating, communities can improve health outcomes for children
and raise the quality of life for all.
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