Lenora West Cornerstone

What do we need to do?  Obesity is a growing problem  Definition  BMI  “According to the U.S. Institutes of Health, a BMI of 19 to 24.9 is normal, 25 to 29.9 is overweight, 30 to 39.9 is obese, and 40 and above is extremely obese”.

What do we need to do?  Children are largest group  “Today, 11% of young people have BMI’s at or above the 97 th percentile on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth charts, thereby meeting the criteria for clinical obesity”.  Include exercise daily  “According to the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines, children should engage in 60 minutes or more of physical activity every day”.  After school workout facilities

How will the facilities help?  Serious health problems  “Children with chronic overweight and obesity are more likely to experience psychological problems and social stigmatization”.  Death and disability  According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “regular physical activity in childhood and adolescence improves strength and endurance, helps build healthy bones and muscles, helps control weight, reduces anxiety and stress, increases self-esteem, and may improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels”.

What will the US look like?  Healthier, friendlier place  According to the Campaign to End Obesity, “Obesity is the reason that the current generation of youth is predicted to live a shorter life than their parents”.  Not enough community involvement  “Community support of school obesity prevention programs is critical to achieving a significant decrease in obesity among children”.

We need to take action!  National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity. (  Action for Healthy Kids. (

Reference Adolescent and School Health. (2013). Atlanta, Georgia: Centers for disease control and prevention. Retrieved from Barbour, S. (2011). Obesity. Farmington Hills, MI: Greenhaven Press. Muth, N. (2008). Preventing childhood obesity. Retrieved from Shriver, L., Harrist, A., Hubbs-Tait, L., Topham, G., Page, M., Barrett, A., (2011). Weight status, physical activity, and fitness among third-grade rural children. Journal of School Health. 81(9), Waddy, J. (2010). Community involvement important in fight against childhood obesity according to uthealth researchers. Retrieved from Yetter, G. (2009). Exercise-based school obesity prevention programs: An overview. Stillwater, OK: Oklahoma State University.