September is designated as National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month and for good reason.
This month reminds us of the need to renew and strengthen our efforts to reverse the continuing crisis of obesity affecting our youths. One in three children in the United States is overweight or obese. Although Archuleta and La Plata counties’ adult obesity rate (17.5 percent) is lower than the state’s (20.8 percent), the percent of children aged 2-14 years who are overweight or obese is higher (29.8 percent) than the state’s rate (28.1 percent).
Childhood obesity threatens the future of our young people by increasing their chances of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Obese children are more likely to have low self-esteem and psychological stress such as depression, behavioral problems and issues in school.
The good news is that childhood obesity can be prevented. In honor of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, San Juan Basin Health Department encourages your family to make healthy choices together. As the fabulousness of fall nears, September is a wonderful time to turn off the television, get active outside on the hiking and biking trails, and visit the local farmers market as the season peaks for many of the most desired locally grown veggies. Aren’t we so lucky to live where we do?
I had the privilege of attending the National Childhood Obesity Conference in July, where practitioners, researchers and public health advocates gathered to discuss emerging strategies, best practices and effective policies to reduce childhood obesity. It was very encouraging to be around 1,700 others who recognize obesity as a top health priority nationally.
Obesity has been identified as one of our region’s top public health priorities. Childhood obesity is a foundational aspect of many of our programs at SJBHD such as our Promotora, SPARK, Women, Infants and Children (WIC), and Nurse Family Partnership programs. The Promotora Program strives to reduce health disparities for Latino individuals and families by improving access to care and prevention services and also provides health education. SPARK delivers physical activity and nutrition education programing at all seven elementary schools in the Durango 9-R School District. WIC and NFP provide services for pregnant mothers and children by providing nutrition education and helping their families develop healthier lifestyles. We are also working with other partners and groups in our community that recognize obesity as a top health priority such as Mercy Regional Medical Center, Durango Public Schools and Healthy Lifestyle La Plata Coalition. This showcases the importance of strategic partnerships and cross-sector collaborations that are essential to accelerating change to effectively and efficiently combat overweight and obesity in children.
We all have a role to play in reversing and preventing childhood obesity. Whether that’s in your own household by preparing healthy meals with your family or in the greater community by joining a team such as your child’s school wellness committee, it takes a collective effort to tackle this socially complex issue. Don’t we all want a healthier, brighter future for our kids?
Michelle Wilson, MPH, is the planning and communications specialist at San Juan Basin Health Department.
