Michelle Obama might be the wife of one of the world's most powerful leaders, but that isn't prohibiting her from tackling some today's universally important issues, especially where children are concerned. The First Lady is expected to release details tomorrow about a new campaign she is heading up that will confront childhood obesity and provide solutions to give our nation's children better opportunities for good health.
Current studies estimate that a shocking 1 in 3 children are obese. One in THREE. Research indicates that unless we nip this problem in the bud, 43% of Americans will be obese by 2018. For the record, obesity is not "overweight," it's not carrying a few extra holiday pounds, it is a debilitating condition that causes a multitude of health problems. Given our already strained healthcare system, a steady growth of obesity rates will mean even more struggles to provide adequate and affordable healthcare for American citizens.
Michelle Obama has been meeting with key members of Congress and the Cabinet about her comprehensive plan, that will include four main elements: increasing the number of healthy schools; increasing the amount of physical activity children receive; improving accessibility and affordability of healthy foods; and empowering consumers and families to make healthier food choices.
- "It wasn't that long ago that I was juggling a full-time job with the round-the-clock role of being a mom. And there were plenty of times when after a long day at work, when the fridge was empty and everyone was hungry, that I just ordered that pizza, because it was easier. Or we went to the drive-through for burgers, because it was quick and cheap. And I wasn't always aware of how all the calories and fat in some of the processed foods I was buying were adding up," she said, previewing her initiative in a speech to the nation's mayors last month.
Details of her plan will be released in the coming days. We're really excited to see where the First Lady will be taking this, and hope that her influence is enough to make some permanent changes in the child nutrition arena.
via CNN
