GENESEE COUNTY (WJRT) -
(01/23/13) - Health officials and other state leaders have launched a new
campaign to combat obesity.
It's called "Michigan Healthier Tomorrow."
That campaign encourages Michigan residents to take a pledge to lose 10
percent of their body weight.
A local educator says the goal can be met if parents and children work
together.
"We walk to school a lot. I pack healthy lunches. Make them eat healthy. Give
them fun snacks," said Amy Beaven, a mother of three.
Beaven is always looking for ways to make sure her three children understand
how important it is to stay in shape. Health officials want to get that message
to residents of all ages.
Michigan Healthier Tomorrow provides a number of helpful suggestions, like
eating five small meals a day and shopping for healthier foods.
"There is strong evidence that losing just 10 percent of your weight can make
significant improvements to both your physical and mental health, including
improved blood pressure, lowering cholesterol levels," said Jim Haveman,
director of MDCH.
There are an estimated 800,000 children and 5 million adults in Michigan who
are overweight.
"I think that's a huge, outrageous number," said Jaymi Whalen, director of
food services in Fenton Public Schools.
Whalen says the Initiative can be successful if parents do their part.
"I would like to personally be able to bring parents in on an educational
series. How they can prepare foods at home healthier or what choices they need
to make. How they can add extra sides and that type of thing to help them with
that initiative," she said.
After you take the Michigan Healthier Tomorrow pledge online, you'll receive
a 'getting started kit'. You can also sign up for twice-monthly motivational
text or emails.
For more information, click HERE.
