First Lady Michelle Obama Launches National Effort to Combat Childhood Obesity
From CNN:
Tune in Tuesday night for a Larry King prime-time exclusive with first lady Michelle Obama on the first family’s first year in the White House. Plus, Mrs. Obama tells why she’s getting tough on childhood obesity. Send your questions for the first lady to CNN.com/LarryKing. “Larry King Live,” 9 p.m. ET Tuesday.
Washington (CNN) — Michelle Obama told America on Tuesday that it’s time to get moving.
Speaking at the White House and surrounded by children, the first lady introduced a national effort to combat childhood obesity.
“This isn’t about inches or pounds, it’s about how our kids feel,” she said. “There are more and more kids with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure today than ever before. Things we used to see only in adults.”
From more farmers markets to increasing physical activity in schools or expanding and modernizing the President’s Physical Fitness Challenge, the first lady said the Obama administration will partnership with public health professionals and private companies to address the obesity issue. Obama asked parents, teachers, physicians, coaches and kids to get involved and suggested they look at the new Let’s Move Web site for helpful tips, strategies and updates on beating childhood obesity in the U.S.
“About one-third of our children are overweight or obese. None of us want that for our country,” she said. “It’s time to get moving.”
Called The Let’s Move campaign, the program focuses on what families, communities and the public and private sectors can do to help fight childhood obesity, which she and health experts have termed an epidemic in the United States. The campaign aims to take steps to reduce childhood obesity within a generation.
Mayors, doctors, members of the Cabinet, and leaders in sports, entertainment and business joined the first lady.
Former NFL player Tiki Barber introduced several speakers including a pediatrician, an urban farmer, and mayors from Mississippi and Massachusetts.
President Obama signed a memorandum earlier Tuesday morning establishing a federal task force to tackle childhood obesity, calling it “one of the most urgent health issues that we face in this country.”
“We think that this has enormous promise in improving the health of our children, in giving support to parents to make the kinds of healthy choices that oftentimes are very difficult.”
The task force, according to the memorandum, will have 90 days to craft a plan encouraging “optimal coordination” between the federal government and both the private and nonprofit sectors. Several Cabinet members, including the secretaries of Interior, Agriculture, and Health and Human Services, will serve on the task force to complement Michelle Obama’s public awareness effort.
In the weeks leading up to the announcement, the first lady urged America’s parents to turn off the television, drink more water and serve smaller portions to curb the growing public health problem.
She stressed that parents need the tools to make it easier to understand how to help their kids stay healthy. She said many parents know certain foods are bad for their kids, but don’t know the solutions.
“They feel like the deck is stacked against them. They feel guilty,” she said. “We need to help them.”
The administration, in partnership with public health professionals and private companies will address these issues in several ways:
First, according to Obama, package labels should be easier to read.
By the end of the year, the Food and Drug Administration will begin working with retailers and manufacturers to adopt new nutritionally sound and consumer friendly front-of-package labeling to provide 65 million parents in America and other caregivers with easy access to the information they need to make healthy choices for their children.
The average soda contains 110 calories, yet many kids drink one or more a day. In an effort to make kids and parents more aware of these calories, the American Beverage Association has voluntarily committed to put calorie labels on the front of its cans, bottles, vending and fountain machines within two years. The label will reflect total calories per container, up to 20 ounces and 12-ounce serving size in multiserve containers.
And school lunches also will play a big role.
According to the White House, on school days, many American children consume more than half their daily calories at school, and more than 30 million of these kids participate in the National School Lunch Program.
With this program, students will have access to healthier food in schools through several initiatives:
• The Obama administration is requesting an investment of an additional $10 billion over 10 years, starting in 2011, to improve the quality of the school lunch and breakfast programs, increase the number of kids participating and ensure that schools have the resources they need to make program changes.
• With the money, more fruits, vegetables, whole-grain foods and low-fat dairy products will be served in school cafeterias.
• Major school food suppliers are to decrease the sugar, fat and salt in school meals over 10 years, and also increase whole grains and produce served within 10 years.
The first lady encouraged doctors and parents to work together to help kids stay healthy.
In this initiative, the American Academy of Pediatrics will educate its members about obesity to make sure pediatricians measure a child’s body mass index on a regular basis and identify a weight problem early. If a child is getting heavy, the physician can write an official prescription for healthy, active living.
Body mass index is a number — calculated from height, weight, age and gender — that measures body fat. Calculate your BMI
On Tuesday, Dr. Judith Palfrey, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said there are ways to encourage activity — like making charts recording children’s TV time and having children set jump-roping, running and fitness goals.
“This is a long-term commitment to our children’s health,” she said. “It will take a concerted effort among all of us — the whole nation — to create healthier communities for our children. We must take on this challenge.”
The number of overweight children ages 6 to 19 has tripled since 1970, a 2007 New England Journal of Medicine study found.
Obama concluded her statements quoting President Franklin Roosevelt.
“We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.”
You read that title right – all you have to do is try them on! Through New Balance’s Instant Give Program, which runs rom February 1 – April 4, 2010, whenever you try on New Balance footwear at a New Balance store or select New Balance retail partner, New Balance will donate $1 to either Special Olympics, Susan G. Komen for the Cure or Girls on the Run!
Here’s the best part: New Balance will be tracking try-ons and purchases by zip code, so ALL donations generated by people in the Atlanta area will stay local and support GOTR Atlanta!
After you try on the shoes, you will receive a promotional code to use on New Balance’s Web site to register for the promotion. GOTR will be featured in the “Instant Give Promotion” section of the New Balance Web site where you’ll go to choose your charity. New Balance will track the total number of consumer entries indicating GOTR as their choice and make a donation totaling $1 per choice entry to GOTR at the conclusion of the program.
If you actually purchase a pair of New Balance shoes, New Balance will offer you either a $5 mail-in rebate on the purchase price or the choice to donate the $5 to one of the charities. You’ll decide when you complete the rebate information and mail your rebate form to the rebate fulfillment vendor. New Balance will make a donation totaling $5 per qualified rebate to GOTR at the conclusion of the program.
JoJo is a GOTR Atlanta SoleMate who has agreed to share her experiences training for the ING Georgia Half-Marathon on the Why We Run blog. You can read JoJo’s previous posts here and learn a little more about her from her GOTR SoleMate Spotlight feature. We’ll be publishing her guest posts 1-2 times per week leading up to her big event, so please tune in!
Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010
Two truths and a myth:
- I workout at least 6 days a week
- I ate three mini chocolate cupcakes
- My favorite show is 24
My weight loss journey began almost three years ago. My goal as I was approaching my 40th birthday was to be “fabulously fit by forty.” I joined a gym and started working out two hours a day, not really watching what I ate – but I was losing weight.
The next year, my goal was to get fittier in my forties. This time around I changed my eating habits and added running and cycling classes to my exercise regimen. I ran several 5k races that year and improved my personal time.
The following year my goal was to run a 10k – this would be the furthest that I had ever run. My husband and I registered for the Run the Reagan. I did not know what to expect; the day of the race it was cold and raining but I persevered…finished in 1:22. Since then I have run several 10k races and my best personal time is 1:11.
My next challenge was to run a half-marathon – the Atlanta Women Zooma Half-Marathon last fall. I not only continued my gym classes and tennis but I also joined another gym, CrossFit (intense 20 minute cardio/resistance training). After three weeks of CrossFit training my body began to change…mainly I had a lot more lean muscles. The Atlanta Women Zooma Half-Marathon was an amazing accomplishment…I finished in 2:23…I ran the whole race…never knew Atlanta was so hilly.
My next challenge is the Atlanta ING half in March 2010…my eight week training started yesterday…
Today my company provided lunch and it was Mexican food, my favorite…I did very well with portion control…no cheese or tortillas. However, for desert I ate four mini chocolate cupcakes…after taking the last bite, I said to myself, “it would have been better if they would have just had regular size cupcakes, then I would have had one; look what they made me do.” Good thing I work out two hours a day six days a week…it’s all about balance.
…until next time…
Live out Loud! Love out Loud! Laugh out Loud!
-JoJo
Check out this article for parents of children who play sports. Its guidelines for parents are especially useful, emphasizing realistic goals and a focus on enjoyment and improved performance rather than winning.
These guidelines seem so based in common sense that you may wonder why we are re-publishing them. The reality is that, even in Girls on the Run, you run across parents who only care about their kids winning. I remember after one GOTR 5K, I overheard a father telling his daughter during the awards ceremony that he expected her to be receiving an award at the next 5K…it broke my heart. So please parents, read these guidelines and stick to them – your children will end up better atheletes as a result!
Ten Guidelines For Parents of Children in Sports
1 Make sure your children know that – win or lose – you love them and are not disappointed with their performance.
2 Be realistic about your child’s physical ability.
3 Help your child set realistic goals.
4 Emphasize improved performance, not winning. Positively reinforce improved skills.
5 Don’t relive your own athletic past through your child.
6 Provide a safe environment for training and competition.
7 Control your own emotions at games and events. Don’t yell at other players, coaches, or officials.
8 Be a cheerleader for your child and the other children on the team.
9 Respect your child’s coaches. Communicate openly with them. If you disagree with their approach, discuss it with them.
10 Be a positive role model. Enjoy sports yourself. Set your own goals. Live a healthy lifestyle.
Stephanie with her running buddy at Hope Hill Elementary
This is the eigth in our series of GOTR Atlanta SoleMates Spotlights. GOTR SoleMates is a group of men and women training for an event of their choosing while raising money for GOTR Atlanta.
Name: Stephanie Golias
Profession: Construction Project Coordinator, Hudson Construction
Is this your first year as a GOTR SoleMate? Yes
What made you decide to join GOTR SoleMates? A friend asked me
What is or was your target race? 13.1 Atlanta, which was my first half marathon!
What do you like to do when not being active for GOTR SoleMates? I like to read, travel, provide support to our deployed soldiers, hang out with friends and family, and I am very involved in the National Association of Women in Construction Atlanta Chapter#49. I try to set up as many volunteer activities for the NAWIC chapter to participate in as possible.
Where is your favorite place to run? I prefer to run on the treadmill so I can watch T.V. at the same time. It helps make the time pass faster.
What advice would you give to a new runner or athlete? Start out slow, don’t get discouraged, and don’t give up! Just like when we were little we learned to walk one step at a time, the same is true for running or any sport. You have to be patient and build stamina to progress and excel.
What is your favorite motto or saying? Pay it forward.
What has been your best GOTR SoleMates experience? Being a running buddy for a Hill-Hope Elementary School student taking part in her first 5K. I enjoyed being her “cheerleader” and getting to know her and her story.
What would you say to anyone thinking of joining GOTR SoleMates? Go for it, you won’t regret it. It is a great way to challenge yourself, keep you motivated and on track, all while forging friendships, reaching personal goals, building self-esteem, mentoring and helping young girls realize their potential.
We are excited to introduce you to JoJo, a GOTR Atlanta SoleMate who has agreed to share her experiences training for the ING Georgia Half-Marathon on the Why We Run blog!
You can learn a little more about JoJo from her GOTR SoleMate Spotlight feature. She hopes that describing her journey on the blog will not only increase her motivation to train, but help all of our readers who are also struggling through a winter training plan. We’ll be publishing her guest posts 1-2 times per week leading up to her big event, so please tune in!
Sunday, Feb. 1, 2010
Yesterday, I played tennis and we won. Yeah, believe it or not my husband is my tennis partner and we are 3-0. Today is my first day of eight weeks training in preparation for the upcoming ING half-marathon. Although I ran my first half-marathon in November 2009, I feel afraid of not being able to run this race or even finishing…however, my goal is to actually run the whole race and to finish in a reasonable time… only time will tell. I will start my training today with a spin class then cardio aerobics…yes of course I will get in a treadmill run…not sure how many miles…Until next time…
Live out Loud! Love out Loud! –JoJo
Today marks two critical points in the year:
- The day that many of us begin to lose steam on our New Year’s fitness resolutions. It’s true – statistics show that the majority of us fall off our New Years goals by Feb. 1! Haven’t you noticed that the gym is just a little emptier these days?
- The offical 3-month mark to the Girls on the Run of Atlanta 5K on Saturday, May 1, 2010, at 8 a.m. near West Stride in Buckhead!!!
Here is our challenge to you: commit TODAY to running the GOTR 5K! Even if you’ve never run 3 miles before, there is PLENTY of time to ramp up. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain – solidify those New Year’s goals and support one of Atlanta’s most life-changing programs for girls.
And, for the next week, GOTR Atlanta will give you even more to gain by offering a GOTR cap or New Balance bag to two people who register for the race AND comment on this post. (Drawing will take place on Monday, Feb. 8.)
Registration for the 5K opens today, Feb. 1, on http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1836827.
Ready to commit but not sure how to follow through? Luckily there are a myriad of 5K training plans out there from which to choose, whether you’re running your first mile, your first race, or going for a new Personal Record. Here are a few beginner training plans that we specifically recommend:
The Couch to 5K Running Plan breaks each individual 20-30 minute workout (yes, that’s it, and only 3 times per week – you can do this!) into chunks – such as 5 minutes of brisk walking alternated with 1 min of jogging, etc. I often find that segmenting a workout makes the time go much faster!
Hal Higdon’s Training for your First 5K is a very basic 2-month training plan that is easy to follow and even easier to stick to! It does assume the ability to start off with a 1.5-mile run, but if you need to start slower he also offers a Walking Plan.
Jeff Galloway’s 5K Training Plan offers a famous and intriguing training style – the run/walk. Galloway’s method is used by runners of all ages and abilities. In fact, GOTR Atlanta’s executive director, Sue Payne, swears by the method – she has run 2 marathons, one using the Galloway method and one not using it – and got a faster time when she did the run/walk!
These are only 3 of the numerous training options available to you. In a nutshell, as of today, you have no excuse not to sign up for the GOTR 5K!
Look for our next countdown to the GOTR 5K on March 1!
Wednesday, February 3rd, is the 24th annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day.
From the NGWSD website: NGWSD is celebrated in all 50 states with community-based events, award ceremonies, and activities honoring the achievements and encouraging participation of girls and women in sports.
NGWSD began in 1987 as a day to remember Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman for her athletic achievements and her work to assure equality for women’s sports. Hyman died of Marfan’s Syndrome in 1986 while competing in a volleyball tournament in Japan. Since that time, NGWSD has evolved into a day to acknowledge the past and recognize current sports achievements, the positive influence of sports participation, and the continuing struggle for equality and access for women in sports.
Registering your activity is a way to advertise and allows others in your community or state to become aware of upcoming events and enables them to participate. Please click here to submit your event. A description of all submitted events can be found under the events calendar. Whether you are a new participant or a veteran, your support of the Day will go a long way to increase visibility for female athletes and advance their struggle for equality in sports.
NGWSD is jointly organized by the National Girls and Women in Sport Coalition. The Coalition combines the experience and resources of the five premiere girls- and women-serving organizations in the United States: Girl Scouts of the USA, Girls Incorporated, the National Association for Girls and Women in Sport, National Women’s Law Center, and the Women’s Sports Foundation.
Collectively, these organizations have been in existence for over 427 years and have a membership reach of 5.5 million girls and women.
To learn more about this celebration of women in sports, visit their website.
Georgia Tech’s Lady Jackets basketball team will celebrate NGWSD at their January 31st game against Virginia Tech. Tip-off is 2:00pm. Special admission price of $2 for children 18 and under plus a Sunday Funday Package is available which includes 4 tickets, 4 t-shirts, and 4 concession vouchers for just $25. Show up and support your local women athletes.
Happy Friday everyone! Check out the articles below for some interesting health and wellness reads, and if you’re up for a race this weekend, it’s not too late to sign up for a few going on around Metro-Atlanta on Saturday!
Exercise: In Women, Training for a Sharper Mind, The New York TimesForget Jenny Craig. Hit the Drive-Thru., New York Times
How to Choose the Best MultiVitamin, Washington Post
The Skinny on Salt: How Much is Too Much?, U.S. News & World Report
Events Around Town this Weekend
Jan. 30 – Around Peachtree Battle 5K, 9 a.m., 531 Westover Drive, Atlanta. (Parking available at Ahavath Achim Synagogue, Peachtree Battle and Northside Drive) Contact (404) 355-0525 or www.thankyouaum.com
Jan. 30 – Tartan Trot 5K/10K, 8 a.m., St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church, 1978 Mt. Vernon Rd., Dunwoody, Ga. Contact (678) 662-6421 or www.tartantrot.com
Jan. 30 – Walton Raider Chase 5K, 9 a.m., 1M Fun Run 8:30 a.m., Walton High School, 1590 Bill Murdock Road, Marietta, Ga. Contact (678) 386-8869 or www.waltontfxc.com
From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution website:
“Online registration for the 41st running of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race will open at 1 p.m. Sunday, March 21, the Atlanta Track Club announced Thursday.
Applicants for the July 4 race can register at ajc.com/peachtree. The traditional print application will run in the AJC on Sunday, March 28. This is the second year online registration will be available for the race.
As in 2009, the first 45,000 out of a total of 55,000 entries will be accepted through online registration, the track club said. Those unable to secure one of the first 45,000 entries, or who prefer mailing in their payment with a registration form, can fill out the paper application. The event’s remaining 10,000 slots will be selected at random from all paper applications received by mail and postmarked by April 5.
“Online registration allows event participants to instantly know that they will be a part of the AJC Peachtree Road Race,” said Tracey Russell, executive director of the ATC.
Several changes are being planned for the 2010 event. For the first time, start assignments will be performance-based instead of randomly assigned, and the number of start waves will nearly double, allowing for smaller waves and better distribution of participants. The track club is hoping these steps will help ease congestion at the start line and along the course.
Whether registering online or through the application in the AJC, entrants will have the option to submit their net finish time (“chip time”) from the 2009 race or any other race — 5K, 8K/5M, 10K, 15K, 10-mile or 13.1-mile distance — run on a USA Track and Field -certified course on or after March 1, 2008. A full listing of start group standards can be found at atlantatrackclub.org/peachtree.
Also new for 2010, the AJC Peachtree Road Race’s companion event, the Peachtree Health and Fitness Expo, will move to downtown Atlanta to AmericasMart on Spring Street. The expo features fitness gear and apparel, nutrition and multi-sport events. The event is free and open to the public on Friday, July 2 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, July 3 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.”
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Become a fan of the AJC Peachtree Road Race on Facebook.
Become a fan of the Atlanta Track Club on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.
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