NO LAUGHING MATTER

Live Healthy Coalition The Live Healthy Coalition is the champion of action to reduce the childhood obesity epidemic in Shiawassee County. The Live Healthy Coalition is composed of dedicated leaders committed to reducing the childhood obesity epidemic.

OUR GOAL The Live Healthy Coalition works to: Impact policy and system change that will improve nutrition Increase access to fitness opportunities, and develop a community that values and supports the health of its entire population.

Don't exercise. Eat junk. Live sicker. Die quicker.

CHILDHOOD OBESITY NO LAUGHING MATTER

Obesity in America is an epidemic. –1 in 3 American children is overweight or obese. –28% of kindergarteners and 42 percent of sixth graders are overweight or obese in Shiawassee County.

NO LAUGHING MATTER Obese children are more likely to become obese adults. Being overweight or obese increases a child’s lifelong risk for –type 2 diabetes –high blood pressure –heart attack –many other debilitating diseases

NO LAUGHING MATTER Obesity is reducing American’s life expectancy. –For the first time in our history, children have a shorter life expectancy than their parents* –This trend can be reversed with good nutrition, daily physical activity, healthy life choices, and changing environmental structure. * U.S. Center for Disease Control

NO LAUGHING MATTER Obesity is breaking our economy. –The total cost of diagnosed diabetes in the United States in 2007 was $174 billion. –The average medical expenditures for people with diagnosed diabetes were 2.3 times higher than what they would be in the absence of diabetes.

NO LAUGHING MATTER Obese kids highly likely to become obese adults Overweight/Obesity – causes almost all diabetes CDC projects that 40% of today’s kids will be diabetic by age 60

NO LAUGHING MATTER The BAD NEWS – There is NO CURE for diabetes The very GOOD NEWS – Diabetes is (almost) totally PREVENTABLE with physical exercise and sensible nutrition Wouldn’t it be nice if CANCER were that easy?

NO LAUGHING MATTER Who is responsible? Who is going to teach/help our/your kids? Would you teach your kid to smoke? You are your kid’s role model. Will you teach them how to lead a healthy life? Whose responsibility is it?

NO LAUGHING MATTER So – What can we do? Tell your neighbor – Tell your friends We have a national crisis! We must create a national awareness! Our kids do not deserve these consequences !

NO LAUGHING MATTER Obesity does not have to occur. –We can help our kids now. –This trend can be reversed with good nutrition, daily physical activity, healthy life choices, and changing environmental structure –I challenge you to take a ten minute walk and share a fruit with your child today, tomorrow, and forever.

In Summary We have a national health crisis. Today’s kids are 3 times more overweight/obese than in the 1970’s. Shiawassee Kindergartners are 28% overweight/obese & 6 th graders are 42% overweight/obese. US Center for Disease Control (CDC) projects 40% of today's kids will be diabetic by age 60. Diabetes is the leading cause of stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, adult blindness and amputations. We must change our terrible habits of lack of exercise and poor nutrition. It can all be PREVENTED! It does not have to happen. We must change our terrible habits of lack of exercise and poor nutrition. Our KIDS need our HELP! This important message is brought to you by The Live Healthy Coalition. We are the champions in the fight to reduce childhood obesity in Shiawassee. We are composed of dedicated leaders committed to changing the existing paradigm of poor nutrition and lack of exercise in society today.

How can you help? Help tell our story. Help with our social media efforts. Mentor young people. Help with a walking club. Testify at hearings. Whatever your interest, we can use you!

CONTACT: GEORGE PICHETTE (989)