National Dairy Council Targets Obesity

Everyone knows that with obesity comes the potential for many more health problems. I’ve worked with healthcare companies for many years now, and it is safe to say many of the diseases these companies address could have been avoided. According to The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Services, excess weight can increase your risk for type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, osteoarthritis and many other types of diseases and complications. Thankfully, many are opting to step up and address our nation’s health problems before they continue to get worse.

A study by the Texas Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that about one-third of the state’s children are either obese or overweight. On February 20-21st, National Dairy Council, along with the Houston Independent School District, launched an initiative to promote healthy living. Parents, teachers, students and community leaders alike gathered to increase awareness and define solutions for Texas schoolchildren. Calling the summit Healthy Kids, Healthy Schools Summit: Leveraging the Power of Our Community, participants defined their roles in the solution and pledged to help create change.

I see this summit as a step (no, more like a giant leap!) in the right direction. This is a preventative measure, and if all goes as planned, it will help get and keep kids healthy. Teaching them smart food choices and exercise habits sets them up to succeed, and can save them from debilitating and life threatening diseases.