Let’s Move! has certainly touched on a nerve in this country. And a good nerve it is. I just got finished teaching my 7th grade Health and Wellness class where we discussed Body Mass Index and calculated the BMI numbers for each student. When I asked the question, “Why should we know and keep track of our BMI?”, two answers stood out. One boy responded, “because we need to be aware of our bodies so we can help prevent conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and strokes.” Impressive for a 7th grader. The second answer was a fun one. His response was “because I think it is part of Let’s Move!”. People are listening. Even 7th grade boys from Washington Jesuit Academy.

No matter what you pack in your children’s lunches, you’ll score an ‘A’ if you do three things: As a parent, practice healthful eating yourself, involve your kids in food shopping and meal preparation, and enjoy at least one meal a day with your kids.

One of the highlights of my year is attending the Women’s Sports Foundation’s (WSF) Annual Salute to Women in Sports.  It is so inspiring to have over 60 Olympic and professional athletes gathered in one room.  Michelle Kwan (figure skating) and Allyson Felix (track & field), fellow members of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, were there.  Laila Ali (boxing), Gretchen Bleiler (snowboarding), Alana Nichols (Paralympic skiing and basketball), Jessica Mendoza (softball) and so many more.

When we think about childhood obesity, most of us think of kids playing video games or eating sugary, unhealthy food.  Less obvious — but not less important — is the impact a child’s neighborhood has on his or her health – and whether it offers them the opportunities they need to walk, run, and play.  Indeed, children in neighborhoods that lack sidewalks, parks, playgrounds, and community centers have up to 45 percent higher odds of becoming obese or overweight.