Nearly 1 in 3 children are obese or overweight in the United States today. If current trends continue, today's kids may be the first generation to live shorter lives than their parents.
What's causing this rise? Children are eating increasingly unhealthy foods more often and exercising less. One in four children does not participate in any free-time physical activity, and only three out of ten high school seniors report eating green vegetables "nearly every day or more."
Too many parents don't have enough time to prepare -- or can't afford --healthier foods. Too many schools have been put in the position of ending physical education programs, relying on vending machines with sugary treats to raise much-needed cash, and ultimately serving foods in the cafeteria that may not be the healthiest.
But there is good news: we have the power to help our children make better decisions and help our schools provide students with healthier options.
Pledge to make a difference in a child's life and help halt the growing epidemic of childhood obesity.
THE PLEDGE
I pledge that I will provide healthy and nutritious meals for children in my care. I will limit the amount of high-calorie soda they drink.
I will encourage the children in my care to exercise more, and I will join them to set a good example.
I will look at foods offered in my local school's cafeteria, store and vending machines to see what healthy food choices, like fruits, nuts and veggies, are available to students and staff. If my local school isn't doing enough to fight childhood obesity, I will work with my school community to encourage them to look to the Healthy Schools Program to help change their minds and their menus! (At: www.healthiergeneration.org.)
