Care Choices Fit Kids Program Offers Free Ice Skating for Youth During Month of February

Fit Kids, Healthy Future activity aimed at fighting childhood obesity

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., January 6, 2004 - The rate of childhood obesity continues to rise, with more than 15 percent of American children now classified as obese, according to the latest statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. 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. That's why Care Choices HMO is teaming up for the fourth consecutive year with the City of Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Department and the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports to offer children free ice skating during the month of February. Through the Care Choices Fit Kids, Healthy Future program, youths ages 17 and under can ice skate for free the first four Sundays in February (1, 8, 15, 22) at two Ann Arbor ice rinks:

Veterans Memorial Park Indoor Ice Arena Corner of Jackson Rd. and N. Maple 734-761-7240	1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Buhr Park Outdoor Ice Rink 2751 Packard Road 734-971-3228	2:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.

The free ice skating sessions are open to all; participants do not need to be residents of Ann Arbor, or members of Care Choices HMO. Skate rental is not included. Children 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

"Overweight children are at risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and other serious health problems," said Gilbert Burgos, MD, MPH, Chief Medical Officer of Care Choices. "Studies have shown they're also more likely to suffer from depression and low self-esteem and to become obese adults.

"As a health care organization dedicated to prevention, Care Choices is concerned about this epidemic. We are committed to supporting activities that encourage children to develop and maintain good health habits," said Dr. Burgos.

"The City of Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to partner once again with Care Choices to offer children the opportunity to participate in a fun, physical activity," said Jayne Miller, Community Services Administrator, of the Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Department.

Care Choices HMO is a nonprofit health care organization and a subsidiary of Trinity Health, one of the nation's leading providers of health care services. Since 1986, Care Choices has been providing quality health care to thousands of members throughout Michigan. Care Choices offers a broad, fully integrated network of physicians, hospitals and other health care professionals all sharing a strong commitment to improving the health status of the communities it serves by delivering effective and affordable health care. Care Choices HMO maintains the highest rating available of "Excellent" by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) and holds a B+ financial-strength rating from A.M. Best Co.

SEVEN WAYS PARENTS CAN HELP THEIR CHILDREN BECOME "FIT KIDS"

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

1. Serve foods and snacks that are low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Emphasize fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
2. 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.
3. Don't smoke, and discourage your children from starting.
4. 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 each day.
5. Limit your child's TV, computer and video game time.
6. Check out your child's school vending machines and lunches. Let administrators know you strongly desire healthy food options to be offered.
7. Advocate for quality physical education in school. Tell people you support programs, policy and environments that assist with increased physical activity.

For more information, check out these websites:

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 for Disease Control, this website provides information on measuring overweight in persons under 20 years of age.

Governors Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports.

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.