What Needs to be Done?

Several top nutrition and fitness experts offered their ideas recently as to what needs to be done to combat childhood obesity.

Give kids more physical activity at school. “We know kids need at least an hour a day of physical activity. We should design the school day to include before and after school time to ensure that happens.”
- Charlene Burgeson, National Association for Sport and Physical Education

Schools should serve more healthy foods. “What is served in schools is important not only because of the direct impact on children’s diets, but also for the message it sends about healthy eating. If schools are selling unhealthy foods, it’s telling children that it’s okay to eat these foods whenever they want as opposed to teaching them that candy bars and soda pop are treats to be eaten only occasionally.”
- Margo Wootan, Director of Nutrition Policy, Center for Science in the Public Interest

Stop junk food advertising to kids. “I love what the White House is doing. In addition, it will be important to tackle the powerful and pernicious influence of food marketing directed at children.”
- Kelly Brownell, Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity, Yale University

Offer more healthful foods in school vending machines. “Thankfully there are a lot more schools that have switched to healthy vending, but it’s important that we have nutritional standards for all foods served throughout the school.”
- Diane Pratt-Heavner, School Nutrition Association

More “Green Space” in our communities. “We need a policy that mandates every time a building permit is issued, the developer/contractor must include green space for parks, playgrounds, community gardens, sidewalks and bike trails along with areas for markets that feature local produce. This would change the face of America and the size of its youth.” - Melinda Sothern, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center

I am hopeful the public is becoming more aware of the importance of physical fitness and good nutrition, and that each of us as individuals need to make the right decisions to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

~Wid