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Childhood
obesity is one of our nation’s leading health threats. Today, more
than 12.5 million kids are overweight, and 13 million are at risk
for being overweight. The obesity epidemic is taking its toll, as
more and more kids are developing conditions and diseases that would
normally be associated with adults; like high blood pressure,
elevated cholesterol, and Type-2 diabetes. If obesity among kids
continues to increase, many believe this current generation of young
people will become the first in American history to live shorter
lives than their parents.
The Channahon Park District has joined forces with the American
Heart Association and its Alliance for a Healthier Generation to
help tackle the childhood obesity epidemic that is plaguing our
nation. The Alliance for a
Healthier Generation is a joint initiative between the American
Heart Association and the William J. Clinton Foundation. As part of
its outreach efforts, the Alliance partnered with Nickelodeon to
create the “Let’s Just Play Go Healthy Challenge” – a television,
online and grassroots movement designed to get kids to eat healthier
and to exercise and play more!
The 2007 “Let’s Just Play Go Healthy Challenge” kicked off on April
29 with a Nickelodeon television special introducing two real-life
kids who are the Go Healthy Challengers. The reality show looks deep
into the lives of these two tween role models as they follow the six
monthly wellness themes, as well as the ups and downs of achieving
their health goals.
The “Let’s Just Play Go Healthy Challenge” wellness themes were
developed by a panel of leading kids’ health experts and include:
· Self Assessment & Goal Setting
· Nutrition/Exercise Basics and Accessing Information to Achieve
Your Goals
· Moderation: Finding balance in your diet and exercise
· Time Management: Fitting exercise and healthy eating into your
daily schedule
· Making the Most of Your Home & Community
· Celebrate Your Success
Kids across the country are invited to join the “Let’s Just Play Go
Healthy Challenge” and make personal pledges to “go healthy” – just
like the role models on the show.
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