We're Ready to 'Move' on the First Lady's Childhood Obesity Initiative
By: Chris "SparkGuy" Downie,
SparkPeople Blogger
2/9/2010 11:16 AM
: 214 comments
: 27,050 Views
SparkPeople is incredibly excited about this morning's launch of Michelle Obama's childhood obesity initiative. As the largest and most active weight loss and fitness website in America, SparkPeople is ready--and able--to fully support this initiative.
Announced last month and explained in detail this week, the plan--called Let's Move--would unite federal, state and local governments with businesses and the nonprofit sector to provide healthier food in schools, more ways for kids to get moving, and supply better access to affordable, nutritious food in all communities--and call for more accurate food labeling.
"Over the past three decades, childhood obesity rates in America have tripled; nearly one third of children in America are now overweight or obese," the East Wing said in a statement. The First Lady cited the latest statistics: Around 32% of children and teens are obese or overweight, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; about one in five of children ages 6 to 19 are obese.
These statistics are beyond alarming.
But we believe that with so many people and organizations across America joining the fight, there is an incredible opportunity to help end childhood obesity in our lifetime. We’ve seen some promising trends in the SparkPeople community that give us much hope, too. I’ll tell you about some of those.
This is what we know.
We know SparkPeople has developed a revolutionary program that helps people make a true healthy and lasting lifestyle change by taking small manageable steps over time, and by coming together to support one another in fun and motivating ways.
We know that when parents join SparkPeople and change their lifestyles, this has a strong positive influence on their kids. (I often tear up while reading from the many letters, emails and Goodies we receive from successful members telling us about the positive impact SparkPeople has made on their families, especially their children.) We also see one of the most common reasons people cite for finally making the decision and committing to losing weight is so that they can be healthy role models for their kids, so that their kids won’t have to endure the same struggles they have.
We know the power of online and real-world social networks, and studies have backed us up on that. It's effective, yet as easy as one SparkPeople member spreading the Spark by telling a friend--also a mother--about the site. As a result, that new member influences the health of her entire family, and she is making a direct and lasting impact on childhood obesity.
From our past experience teaching a SparkPeople program to kids, we know that kids can be the family leaders and influence their parents to start eating healthier and moving more. Back in 2007, we asked for your help, and now we're asking again.
In December and January, SparkPeople surveyed members about their children's and families' healthy habits. The SparkPeople Healthy Kids Survey found some great "habits of healthy families," which show the power of how one person--a mom, dad, or a child--can influence and improve the health of their families:
When we asked our members who are parents how they get their kids to eat healthy foods, the top three responses (all around 60% of response or more) were:
We also asked: As you’ve focused more on healthy eating, have you noticed a change for the better in your kids' diet? More than half (54%) said yes! Another 32% said maybe but not sure, and only 13% said no.
In terms of exercise, we saw an amazing correlation. Nine of 10 respondents exercise regularly, and there was a close correlation between the number of their kids who exercised or participated in physical activity at least half the week (13%) or most or everyday (more than 66%)--a total of almost 80% of all of their kids.
These results are powerful in that they show the true power of how one person’s actions touch and motivate others, whether it is their children, a friend or partner, or even a complete stranger.
I'm telling you all of this to get to the bottom line: If we all make ending childhood obesity a priority and commit to the issue, we KNOW that Americans can fix this problem that so threatens our future and the lives of our children. We know that our collective actions will continue to inspire positive, healthy action in others.
We know that no one group or person's efforts is enough. That's why we believe that having the White House and the First Lady involved can bring awareness and action to a new level. On an issue that touches us all, regardless of our political beliefs, it would be amazing to have SparkPeople members come together to participate in this effort!
The children are our future, and even if you're not a parent, you are still affected--and you can still make a difference. For now, keep doing what you're doing, taking small steps to reach your greater goal. Let this be a great motivation to continue reaching your goals one healthy choice and one workout at a time--and then spread the spark far and wide. Your daily actions and words impact more people than you realize!
Parents are an active subcommunity on SparkPeople, and if you're not sure where to start, join a SparkTeam. The very active Kids Health SparkTeam has almost 46,000 members, and the Moms and Dads at Home SparkTeam has more than twice that.
At SparkPeople.com, and our other sites, SparkTeens.com and BabyFit.com, we have built great tools, content, resources and community to help provide solutions to help Americans (and the world!) lose weight and improve their health and lives. (Check out our Healthy Kids and Families Center with great articles and content, or here for great healthy kid-friendly recipes!) We plan to fully support the First Lady’s childhood obesity initiative in ongoing ways to help end childhood obesity in our lifetimes!
What are some ways you can help in your community? What would you like to see SparkPeople do to support the cause? Have you had childhood obesity touch your life?
Photo of First Lady Michelle Obama courtesy of the White House.
Announced last month and explained in detail this week, the plan--called Let's Move--would unite federal, state and local governments with businesses and the nonprofit sector to provide healthier food in schools, more ways for kids to get moving, and supply better access to affordable, nutritious food in all communities--and call for more accurate food labeling.
"Over the past three decades, childhood obesity rates in America have tripled; nearly one third of children in America are now overweight or obese," the East Wing said in a statement. The First Lady cited the latest statistics: Around 32% of children and teens are obese or overweight, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; about one in five of children ages 6 to 19 are obese.
These statistics are beyond alarming.
But we believe that with so many people and organizations across America joining the fight, there is an incredible opportunity to help end childhood obesity in our lifetime. We’ve seen some promising trends in the SparkPeople community that give us much hope, too. I’ll tell you about some of those.
This is what we know.
In December and January, SparkPeople surveyed members about their children's and families' healthy habits. The SparkPeople Healthy Kids Survey found some great "habits of healthy families," which show the power of how one person--a mom, dad, or a child--can influence and improve the health of their families:
When we asked our members who are parents how they get their kids to eat healthy foods, the top three responses (all around 60% of response or more) were:
- "I set a good example and eat healthy foods myself."
- "I try to make healthy foods taste good."
- "I talk to my kids about the benefit of healthy foods."
We also asked: As you’ve focused more on healthy eating, have you noticed a change for the better in your kids' diet? More than half (54%) said yes! Another 32% said maybe but not sure, and only 13% said no.
In terms of exercise, we saw an amazing correlation. Nine of 10 respondents exercise regularly, and there was a close correlation between the number of their kids who exercised or participated in physical activity at least half the week (13%) or most or everyday (more than 66%)--a total of almost 80% of all of their kids.
These results are powerful in that they show the true power of how one person’s actions touch and motivate others, whether it is their children, a friend or partner, or even a complete stranger.
I'm telling you all of this to get to the bottom line: If we all make ending childhood obesity a priority and commit to the issue, we KNOW that Americans can fix this problem that so threatens our future and the lives of our children. We know that our collective actions will continue to inspire positive, healthy action in others.
We know that no one group or person's efforts is enough. That's why we believe that having the White House and the First Lady involved can bring awareness and action to a new level. On an issue that touches us all, regardless of our political beliefs, it would be amazing to have SparkPeople members come together to participate in this effort!
The children are our future, and even if you're not a parent, you are still affected--and you can still make a difference. For now, keep doing what you're doing, taking small steps to reach your greater goal. Let this be a great motivation to continue reaching your goals one healthy choice and one workout at a time--and then spread the spark far and wide. Your daily actions and words impact more people than you realize!
Parents are an active subcommunity on SparkPeople, and if you're not sure where to start, join a SparkTeam. The very active Kids Health SparkTeam has almost 46,000 members, and the Moms and Dads at Home SparkTeam has more than twice that.
At SparkPeople.com, and our other sites, SparkTeens.com and BabyFit.com, we have built great tools, content, resources and community to help provide solutions to help Americans (and the world!) lose weight and improve their health and lives. (Check out our Healthy Kids and Families Center with great articles and content, or here for great healthy kid-friendly recipes!) We plan to fully support the First Lady’s childhood obesity initiative in ongoing ways to help end childhood obesity in our lifetimes!
What are some ways you can help in your community? What would you like to see SparkPeople do to support the cause? Have you had childhood obesity touch your life?
Photo of First Lady Michelle Obama courtesy of the White House.
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Comments
Can Michelle approach that in her reform?
Another culprit is sugar. Google Youtube "the bitter truth" and listen - long but worth it. The process foods provided at the school all have fructose - or variations of sugar in them - even the premade omletes ~!
- 7/25/2011 7:58:54 AM
To address the trend of higher-fat/trans-fat foods only being available in food banks, many food banks including my local one are including gardens like the one at the White House so that for 1/3 of the year at least fresh produce can be included in the food bank's distribution. ( http://www.goodcheer.org/garden.htm
l )
One issue I'd like to correct from the comment page is about McD's and Ronald McDonald House Charities (the global organization). Many great films/books about the link of fast food to the obesity epidemic have been made in recent years, and I fully support the truth in them. However, having lived at the RMH for almost a year while my daughter underwent cancer treatment, I learned that only 10% of the charities costs come from McD's (the corporation's name is the main weight behind it - oh bad pun!). The other 90% come from volunteers and donations. So, it is a misnomer to say the corporation is misleading anyone by donating to children's charities. Before I lived there, I was under the impression you had to eat a lot of hamburgers and fries in order to support the essential homes to families of children facing a crisis. Not true.
Finally, I am thrilled to have found SparkPeople, because the support, tools, and inspiration are fabulous for making real change. Food can be the best medicine for what ails us, if we only learn what to do and can free ourselves of the starvation/deprivation diets vs. couch potato/binge eating ways of life with all the stigma attached. Every one of us can be empowered to work toward health.
- 2/25/2010 3:02:57 AM
Maybe we should look at family values and making time to do the "old" things. Sure, it's not the easiest route, but it's worth it! - 2/16/2010 6:40:36 AM
I LOVE Michelle Obama!!! - 2/12/2010 9:33:38 PM
One thing I have noticed, is the trend some schools have had to eliminate recess. I believe it is critical for schools to maintain recess so the youngsters have running time, space to blow off steam and just be kids. Recess was my favorite "Class", 2nd to art. But really, it is important. - 2/12/2010 8:20:03 PM
Children loves to play games and I think this will be something to think about.
- 2/12/2010 6:47:50 PM
- 2/12/2010 6:32:49 PM
The name, “First Lady’s Childhood Obesity Initiative” offends me, even though the name is also “Let’s Move!” Many schools stopped recognizing valedictorians because it might make other children feel badly about themselves. Obese children often have self-esteem issues from years of ridicule from their peers. Now the first lady of the United States singles them out! All children benefit from healthy food and exercise.
Parents are responsible for their children’s obesity unless their children are planning menus, grocery shopping and preparing the food. Blaming school, TV, society, etc is an excuse for parents to abdicate their responsibilities. Children would have healthy eating and exercise habits if parents focused on these things during the several weeks of school breaks. It doesn’t happen because most parents don’t exercise or eat healthy.
Here’s a link to the charts of what children should be able to do.
http://www.presidentschallenge.org/
educators/program_details/physical_
fitness/qualifying_standards.aspx
- 2/12/2010 12:37:47 PM
can't be sending mixed messages.
one thing I see as a disaster, is gym class...
they focus for one week for each activity, basketball, soccar, tennis,
Now don't get me wrong... those things are great, but wasting your time reading about them, having to fill out worksheets, are just plain dumb. (this takes up 50% of gym time now, uh, isn't this what we have reading class for? )
Instead, they need to focus on real life changing activities, and be teaching motivation, and getting them involved in activities that they will use everyday, (lets face it, not everyone is going to be a NBA star). at least 2 or 3 days out of the week should be dedicaited to personal fitness, and wieght lifting. and learning everything about it, like natural bodybuilding, pilates, yoga,. and what each thing does to your body. Workout journals all around, and incentive to making goals, and progress. Because even the big kids will be more likely to lift weights, do crunches, and walk/jog on the tredmill, or use the bike, than to be picked last for a sport.
It is very discouraging and demeaning for these kids.
and in health class, they need to me learning about things like saturated fat... (IT TURNS YOUR ARTERIES INTO pbc tubing!!!) everyone focused on the trans fat, when sat. fat is to be worried about.
and they need to be learning about like what a pound of fat looks like in your body...
because disgusting someone, will give them the motivation...
kids need to learn how to motivate others, so in gym, pair them with opposite, big kid, fit kid..
for some time, and then switch.. - 2/12/2010 11:13:31 AM
Parents can move this along by contacting school boards, state representatives, etc.
Think about it - if the schools decided to identify the mathematically gifted kids early on and then designed the entire math curriculum around those kids and said "sorry you are math losers" to the rest of the kids - would you put up with that? So why let PE be only about the kids who are athletically gifted? - 2/12/2010 10:48:56 AM
Hope Mrs Obama's program comes with some money to implement programs. - 2/12/2010 9:36:35 AM
Don't demand what you can't give!! Remember this when
you are demanding your children eat more healthy when
you are feeding your body junk!! Let's start with ourselves
and become that great example our children need to
eat more healthy!! Great to hear we are supporting our
First Lady Michelle Obama!! - 2/12/2010 7:24:46 AM
Children have a natural tendency to want to learn so we should be teaching them the basics of food groups, hydration and portion sizes. My kids steal veggies off my plate and my 3 year old can open the fridge: everything that is her eye and height level are fruits and veggies. We need to start at home. - 2/11/2010 7:41:09 PM
s/jamies-food-revolution if anyone is interested in checking it out. - 2/11/2010 6:08:55 PM
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