Everything in Moderation

The statistics tell it all.  One out of every three of our children in the United States are overweight or obese.  And the rates have soared over the past few decades. These national numbers reflect the trend in Sulphur Springs and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Foundation is investing its funds to reverse the trend.

This disease puts children at risk for other chronic conditions that were once only seen in adult populations including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.  Obesity can also lead to increased absences from school, a low self-image and even depression.  Overweight and obese youth often don’t do as well in school as their healthier, more physically active classmates. 

According to Karen Pesce, Executive Director of MORE HEALTH, “Prevention is the key to a reduction in obesity and to developing a healthier lifestyle.”

MORE HEALTH was recently awarded a Healthy Living Mini-Grant to provide health and safety education to children, teens and adults in the Sulphur Springs community.  The Y, in partnership with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Foundation, recently awarded $155,000 in mini-grants to local non-profit organizations and community programs through its Creating a Healthier Sulphur Springs for Kids initiative.

Creating a Healthier Sulphur Springs for Kids is a community-wide campaign to reduce and prevent childhood obesity in Sulphur Springs.  As one of six lead agencies, the Tampa Y is funded by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Foundation through its statewide Embrace a Healthy Florida initiative, which addresses the causes of childhood obesity through private-public partnerships. 

Other 2012 Mini-Grant Recipients receiving funding are:  St. Joseph’s Children’s Advocacy Center; Devereux Florida – Devereux Kids; Girl Scouts of West Central Florida; USF Center for Urban Transportation Research; Champions for Children– Layla’s House; Feeding America Tampa Bay; Global United Soccer; and Moses House.

The bottom line:  Increasing physical activity and access to healthier foods is important.

And according to Maureen Chiodini, YMCA Associate Vice President “We know that parents’ activities play a direct role in how kids approach a healthier lifestyle.  That’s why the Y is leading the charge to help the whole family to understand the root causes of childhood obesity and strategies to start and continue healthy habits with their children.”

Everything in moderation.