September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

More than 23 million children and teenagers in the U.S. are obese or overweight, a statistic that health and medical experts consider an epidemic. While obesity rates have soared among all age groups in this country, obesity is a particularly grave concern for children.
Childhood obesity 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.
It’s not too late for our children. Every September, National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month (COAM), gives elected officials, educators, physicians, and you the opportunity to take a stand and fight childhood obesity. This year, there are dozens of ways you can help bring the message back to your state, city, workplace and home. Need some ideas to get you started? Download our toolkit, which offers quick, easy ways you can get involved.

Celebrating Success:2010 COAM

Last year, the country came together for the health and wellness of our children. September 2010 was the first-ever National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Individuals and families across the country brought national attention and urgent action to children affected by the obesity epidemic.
Leading the charge, President Obama and the U.S. Congress both issued proclamations declaring September 2010 the first-ever National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Organizations nationwide brought the issue home by planning educational events for children and families. News organizations told the story, and adults everywhere lent their support. For a full recap of 2010 National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, download the wrap-up report.

 It wasn't until after I read this article, that I became aware that they devoted the month of September to informing people of the childhood obesity problem that is plaguing us today. I think that as physical educators, we have our work cut out for us. When I read articles like this I really begin to think of what my goals and objectives will be when I have my own class. Childhood obesity has become an epidemic in this country, and I feel that as physical educators we hold some of the responsibility of cleaning this mess up. I think that along with phys ed class, we should also concentrate more on nutrition. I think that educating kids early on, about proper meal choices and portion size is crucial. And I think that it is up to us. Placing this responsibility in the hands of the parents was obviously the wrong decision.

Thoughts?