Childhood obesity is a serious public health challenge, impacting the physical, psychological, and social development of children all the way into adulthood. Initial research on the impacts of childhood obesity began in the 1960s, but public awareness of the condition did not gain recognition until the early 2000s when obesity rates in children almost tripled from the rates 30 years prior. The good news is that the best treatment for childhood obesity is prevention! As organizations, providers, parents, and role models, it is our responsibility to teach children healthy behaviors that will shape their futures.
How can YOU make a difference during National Childhood Obesity Prevention Month?
National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month provides a chance for all of us to learn more about this serious health condition. Make a difference for kids! Use this toolkit created by the Nevada Early Childhood Healthy Lifestyle Workgroup (NECHL) to spread the word about strategies for preventing childhood obesity and encourage communities, organizations, families, and individuals to get involved. The messages, links, and hashtags in the toolkit can be used as-is, or they can be customized in any way that works best for the needs of your community.
Click here for more ways to spread the word!