Success Stories
Attention Techies! Apps for Healthy Kids Launched Yesterday!
Cross-posted from USDA.
Yesterday was a very exciting day here at USDA as we joined First Lady Michelle Obama in announcing our Apps for Healthy Kids competition! Apps for Healthy Kids is part of the First Lady's Let's Move! initiative to end childhood obesity.
It Takes a Community to Fight Obesity
The epidemics of obesity and tobacco use are national problems: two-thirds of adults and 1 in 3 children are overweight or obese, and each day 4,000 kids try their first cigarette.
Combating Childhood Obesity in Indian Country
In his address on the State of the Union, President Obama announced that First Lady Michelle Obama would be taking the lead in the Administration's efforts "to tackle the epidemic of childhood obesity." Two weeks later, on February 9, the First Lady unveiled a nationwide campaign - Let's Move! - to fight the epidemic and improve the health of children. An integral part of the First Lady's campaign will be to work with American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities, where childhood obesity rates are particularly high.
The Time to Address Childhood Obesity Is Now
There is perhaps no more serious challenge to the nation's health and well-being than that posed by childhood obesity. Last week, I testified about the issue before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (HELP). I told our elected leaders that we need to change the national conversation on obesity, that we need to create healthier environments in our communities, and that government can't solve the problem alone.
Let's Move! Mississippi
The First Lady traveled to Jackson, Mississippi today to spend time with students, officials and experts discussing a deeply important issue, not just as a First Lady, but as a mother. And that's childhood obesity.
New Foundation Created to Help Raise a Healthier Generation of Kids
Today marks an exciting milestone in the fight against the obesity epidemic. The newly created Partnership for a Healthier America is dedicated to the addressing America's obesity epidemic. Raising a healthier generation of children will require engaging in sustained and significant dialogue with States, communities, and the non-profit and private sectors. To support this effort, several foundations are helping to organize and fund a new foundation.
Healthier Families and a Healthier Nation
This week, I was proud to join the First Lady and my colleagues across government for the announcement of her new initiative to combat childhood obesity: Let's Move! As a mother, I am struck by the fact that 1 in 3 children are overweight or obese and understand the desire to see our kids healthy while they are young, and as they grow into adulthood.
