All About National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month!

Why A National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month?

In the past four decades, obesity rates in the United States have soared among all age groups. This rise in obesity rates has affected our youth in alarming fashion. Childhood obesity has increased more than fourfold among those ages 6 to 11. Over 23 million children and teenagers in the United States ages 2 to 19 are obese or overweight, a statistic that health and medical experts consider an epidemic. And this epidemic puts nearly one third of America’s children at early risk for Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and even stroke – conditions usually associated with adulthood. Even greater disparities exist among young Hispanics and children of color.

But there are opportunities every day to change these trends. And this September, Girls Rule! will take this extraordinary opportunity to work with youth, parents and child care workers to build awareness and take action – nationally, as well as in our respective states, cities, workplaces and most importantly, in our homes.


September 2010 is the first-ever Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

We are calling national attention and action to this epidemic. It is your opportunity to unite with leaders in the White House and Congress, with the Governor of your state and Mayor of your city, Girls Rule! and with all in your community who care about our youth and the health of our nation today and tomorrow. Here are some highlights:

►Congress has officially proclaimed September 2010 as National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Other national, state, and city leaders are called on to support and observe the month.

►Organizations around the United States will plan and carry out activities that build awareness about and encourage action on childhood obesity.

►And individuals – we hope you – will take steps within your family, on your block, in your community to help reverse the rise of childhood obesity. Every person in the U.S. can be an important part of Childhood Obesity Awareness Month by taking small steps that add up to a big difference: Eating more balanced meals and snacks, engaging in physical activity more regularly, and sharing your personal plan and commitment with family and friends of all ages.

Why This Website?

The Girls Rule! Blog has committed itself to provide information, Web links and tools to promote and celebrate September as National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Look forward to partnering together with you as we work together create a healthier future for our most important resource: our children.

Check back soon for more updates and please spread the word!

Ladon Brumfield
Executive Director
Girls Rule!
http://www.girlz-rule.org/
312-479-0789