Michelle Obama addressing Childhood Obesity
Mar 5th, 2010 by Janie Behr
Parents want “desperately to do what’s right. … But too often, the realities of modern life make it feel like the deck is stacked against them.”
They’re tight on money and time, she said. Their communities lack markets that sell fresh produce. The physical-education and recreation programs have been cut back at their schools.
Calling obesity an epidemic, first lady Michelle Obama launched a major initiative to combat the problem in childhood.
We have the information, we have the ideas, and we have the desire to start solving America’s childhood obesity problem.
“The only question is whether we have the will.”
Steps to help stop obesity
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced steps communities can take to prevent obesity.
Among the ideas:
- Put schools within easy walking distance of residential areas.
- Improve access to outdoor recreational facilities.
- Require physical education in schools.
- Enhance traffic safety in areas where people could be physically active.
- Enhance infrastructure supporting walking and biking.
- Discourage consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks.
If you offer kids more fruits and vegetables before and during meals, they’ll eat more of them, even if some turn up their noses at specific varieties they don’t like.
These are among the findings of several studies on children’s eating habits:
Favorites For Kids Age 6-12
Fruits
- Apples
- Bananas
- Grapes
- Strawberries
- Oranges
Vegetables
- Corn
- Green beans
- Carrots
- Peas
- Mixed vegetables
READERS: How do you get your kids to eat fruits and veggies? Share tips — even recipes.
