Working to Prevent Childhood Obesity

MINNEAPOLIS - Washington is fighting a battle that could spare your kids from the painful diseases that could kill them too soon. There are many challenges for parents, like shopping for a healthy diet for their family. But for many on the run, it's impossible.

A decade ago, the government's healthy people program targeted 2010 to reduce children obesity to just five percent. The number is staggering. Now, 32 percent of our kids are obese. Some believe that puts children on track to die at a younger age than their parents.

Allina Pediatrician Eric Barth takes child obesity very seriously. He starts talking with the parents the second they walk through the door. He believes genetics, a less active life style and the economy all play a huge roll in today's society.

"Fresh fruits, fresh vegetables are much more expensive than buying a box of macaroni and cheese,” said Barth. “It is harder for parents to make those healthy food choices."

As for the mortality rate, he believes if we continue down the same lane, our children will eventually feel the affects.

Organizers with the Minneapolis Urban League and Fremont Community Health Services know parents have their hands full. That's why this program started a few weeks ago, and it is concentrating on improving healthy habits in north Minneapolis

Helping your Overweight Child
http://media2.myfoxtwincities.com/docs/overweight.pdf
http://media2.myfoxtwincities.com/docs/overweight1.pdf
http://media2.myfoxtwincities.com/docs/overweight2.pdf
http://media2.myfoxtwincities.com/docs/overweight3.pdf