The Adobe Flash Player is required to view this multimedia interactive. Get it here.

Area health group's focus already on child obesity problem

Programs in place similar to plan first lady Michelle Obama kicked off Tuesday.

Blog: Was it OK for First Lady to discuss daughters' weight?

By Kim Margolis, Staff Writer Updated 2:21 AM Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Those fighting the childhood obesity problem here are already using some of the tools and strategies first lady Michelle Obama suggested on Tuesday, Feb. 9.

Obama unveiled “Let’s Move” — her national public awareness campaign against childhood obesity. Her campaign has four parts: helping parents make better food choices, serving healthier food in school vending machines and lunch lines, making healthy food more available and affordable, and encouraging children to exercise more.

In January, the Public Health Dayton & Montgomery County launched the GetUp Montgomery County program, which features a simple plan for parents and children to follow.

The ‘5-2-1-almost none’ plan involves eating five fruits and vegetables per day; spending no more than two hours watching TV or playing video games; getting one hour of activity daily; and avoiding any sugary drinks, save for a treat here and there, according to James Gross, health commissioner.

Children — and adults — can go to GetUpMC.org and sign a pledge to eat right and exercise. About 200 people have signed the pledge so far.

“We think it’s vitally important to reach the child at early age so we can shape those habits in their early years,” Gross said.

The most recent pediatric health assessment at Children’s Medical Center, which was conducted in 2008, found that parents feel that one in four children in the region are overweight, said Jessica Saunders, community relations manager.

“Parents identified it as the biggest children’s health issue,” Saunders said.

Saunders, who talks with parents and children in their homes and at public gatherings, said some parents don’t know how to start improving their child’s nutrition, or how to start doing it on a tight budget.

Saunders tells parents that fresh fruit and vegetables are best, but if frozen or canned items are on sale, stock up.

Then there are picky eaters.

She challenges parents to take kids to the grocery store and let them pick a new fruit or vegetable to try.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2216 or kmargolis@DaytonDailyNews.com.

Share this article