Fit Kids, Health Future Program

The Childhood Obesity Epidemic:

Boy According the latest data (1999) from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the number of overweight children and teens continues to increase in the United States. Fifteen percent of children ages 6 to 11 are overweight, double the rate of two decades ago. The number of overweight teens now stands at 15 percent, nearly triple the number in the 1970s. This trend also plays out on a local level. In Washtenaw county, the percent of overweight children (aged 12-17) has grown from 7.6 percent in 1995 to 14.2 percent in 2000, according to statistics available from the Washtenaw County Public Health Department, Health Improvement Plan Survey 2000.

Overweight children are at risk for high-blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and other serious health problems. Often the target of peers, they're also more likely to suffer from depression and low self-esteem and to become obese adults.

Fit Kids, Healthy Future Initiative:

Swimming As a health care organization dedicated to prevention, Care Choices is concerned about the growing number of overweight children. That's why we launched the Fit Kids, Healthy Future initiative. Through a variety of partnerships, sponsorships and special events, the Fit Kids, Healthy Future initiative promotes the importance of physical fitness, good nutrition and helping children develop healthy lifestyles.

Since the year 2000, Care Choices has partnered with the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports to bring Fit Kids, Healthy Future activities into the primary geographic areas we serve. For example, during the summer, Care Choices has sponsored several free swim and ice skating sessions for children age 17 and under at public parks in Ann Arbor. Since the partnership was launched in the year 2000, more than 13,000 children have participated in our free programs that promote physical fitness.

Care Choices is also a major sponsor of the Saint Joseph Mercy Health Exploration Station. Located inside the Saint Joseph Mercy Canton Health Center, this 3,500 square foot interactive health education center offers programs for pre-school through high-school students.

At the Ann Arbor Hands on Museum, children can learn about how to make wise food choices through an interactive, caloric-scale exhibit sponsored by Care Choices. The exhibit is part of the museum's "All About You" gallery.

Through our sponsorship of youth sports programs and special events, Care Choices remains committed to supporting activities that promote physical activity and good nutrition for children.

What Parents Can Do:

Softball Kids Lifelong healthy habits start early. Here are some ways parents can help their children develop and maintain good health habits:

Serve foods and snacks that are low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Emphasize fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Do not add salt when cooking and keep salt shakers off the table. Studies have shown that children born to parents with high blood pressure develop significantly higher blood pressure when they consume a higher intake of salt.
Don't smoke, and discourage your children from starting.
Encourage your children to exercise and participate in sports and other physical activities. The federal government's Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend at least an hour of exercise for children and teenagers.
Limit your child's TV, computer and video game time.
Check out your child's school vending machines and lunches. Let administrators know you strongly desire healthy food options to be offered.
Advocate for quality physical education in school. Tell people you support programs, policy and environments that assist with increased physical activity.

Additonal Resources:

Soccer Kids BAM! (Body and Mind) - Created by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, this program is aimed at children ages 9 to 13. Designed to be kid-friendly in an interactive way, the site features information on topics such as physical fitness and asthma.

Body Mass Index (BMI) for Children and Teens - From the U.S. Centers of Disease Control, this website provides information on measuring overweight persons under 20 years old.

Governors Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports

Powerful Bones, Powerful Girls
This campaign is coordinated by the Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Osteoporosis Foundation to help girls develop strong, healthy bones.

VERB - This initiative of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control encourages young people to get active and engaged with their family, friends and community in positive physical and pro-social activities.

MyPyramid.gov
One size doesn't fit all. MyPyramid Plan can help you choose the foods and amounts that are right for you. For a quick estimate of what and how much you need to eat, enter your age, sex, and activity level in the MyPyramid Plan box.

Care Choices Partners with Detroit Public Television:

Getting the word out about healthy activities for children is easier now that the Care Choices Fit Kids, Healthy Future program has partnered with the Detroit Public Television series, “Get Up! Get Out!”

Care Choices is dedicated to preventing illness and disease, and so it’s concerned about the growing number of overweight children. That's why Care Choices launched the Fit Kids, Healthy Future initiative, which promotes fitness and healthy eating habits for kids. “Get Up! Get Out!” has a similar goal. It is a program for kids and their parents that’s designed to help them plan their weekends to include healthy activities.

Care Choices is backing the TV program, and Detroit Public Television is airing announcements from Care Choices. The Care Choices logo is also displayed on the TV program’s website. In addition, Care Choices has begun hosting informational tables at “Get Up! Get Out!” events.

“Get Up! Get Out!” airs on Fridays at 5 p.m. and Saturdays at 9 a.m. on Detroit Public TV, channel 56.

Care Choices Health Care for Kids: