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Childhood Obesity InitiativeHow are we working together to increase physical activity and improve nutrition? For the first time in American history, today’s generation of children are at risk of living shorter lives than their parents. The cause is obesity. Recent research suggests that obesity shortens the average lifespan by at least four to nine months, and if childhood obesity continues to increase, it could cut two to five years from the average lifespan. We need to take action--now. We need to help our children make better food choices and become more physically active. Owatonna Hospital and Allina Hospitals & Clinics are committed to reversing the rise in childhood obesity by providing resources to the community. We've formed a Community Advisory Council comprised of community members representing our local school systems, public health, childcare resources, healthcare providers and business. This group's goal is to raise public awareness about the serious threat posed by this growing public health problem and take steps to improve our children's health. This is not a short-term initiative, but a long-term commitment for at least the next five years. What are we doing? Over the past few months, we've been focusing on several key audiences that will have the most impact on changing the environment and creating behavior change: schools, healthcare providers, parish nurses, public library and the media. The U.S. Surgeon General is calling on individuals, families, schools and businesses to take steps to help children and adults lead healthier lives. Move More. Eat Better. What can we all do? 1. Support the first Healthy Kids in Health Places Community Action Forum 2. Promote Go, Slow and Whoa foods--low-fat, healthy meals at home, at school and at restaurants 3. Promote the 30-minute Power of the Pyramid play 4. Minimize the presence of vending machines in schools 5. Promote exercise at work 6. Encourage mothers of infants to breastfeed 7. Participate in the On the Move -Walk Across America community wellness program to increase physical activity, improve nutrition, increase awareness of healthy food choice and decrease screen time. 8. Have us come and speak at your next meeting by selecting this link Speakers Bureaus 9. Encourage community gardens. 10. Sponsor Children's Safety Fair. By working together we can reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease and live longer, healthier lives for our children.
To find out how you can get involved, call 444-6070.
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