President Barack Obama has proclaimed September 2014 as National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, encouraging Americans to help our youth lead more physically active lifestyles and make healthier food choices.

“As a Nation, we have a responsibility to ensure our children have every chance to fulfill their potential, and that starts by providing them with the opportunities to make healthy choices,” the President said. And he continued, “This month, we build on our progress and raise awareness of the benefits of healthy eating and active living so our children can lead prosperous and productive lives.”

Childhood obesity currently affects millions of young Americans, putting them at risk for developing many serious health problems. However, the good news is that we are starting to see signs of progress with obesity rates declining in some cities across the country. In addition, earlier this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report showing a forty-three percent drop in the obesity rate among children of preschool age over the past decade.

Since February 2010, Let’s Move!’s mission has been to help kids and families lead healthier lives by making nutritious food more available and affordable, increasing opportunities for physical activity, and fostering environments that support healthy choices. Through collaboration and dedication, the Nation is making progress, however there is still more work to be done.

“Each American has an important part to play as we build healthier communities for young people across our Nation. During National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, we continue our work to provide every child with healthy food, active play, and a good example to follow. By committing to a healthy lifestyle for our families and eating right ourselves, we can help turn the tide against childhood obesity across our country,” President Obama said in the proclamation.

How will you answer the President’s call to help America’s youth lead long, healthy, and happy lives during this year’s National Childhood Obesity Awareness month? We need your enthusiasm and energy! Everyone from parents and educators to communities, schools, and businesses has a role to play, and we encourage you to join the movement to help kids and families lead healthy lives by getting involved with Let’s Move!. Follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook to stay connected on our latest updates and efforts.