Leaders Discuss Ways to Combat Childhood Obesity
Strategies to stem the growing problem of childhood obesity were the focus of a meeting last week of public health, education and political leaders, the Sacramento Bee reports. Sponsored by the California Research Bureau, the meeting addressed recommendations including offering farmer's market salad bars at school and nutrition and fitness television programs for preschoolers. At a hearing at the Capitol following the seminar, legislators said they would make obesity "higher on the public policy agenda." Sen. Martha Escutia (D-Commerce) announced plans to introduce a bill that would improve physical education programs and restrict junk food sales in schools. State schools chief Delaine Eastin called on policy makers to increase funding for subsidized lunches so schools could offer healthier meals and recommended restoring money for an annual Healthy Kids survey that analyzes physical fitness among school children. CDC Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity Director Dr. Bill Dietz said, "This is not a cosmetic problem." He recommended that state and private health plans reimburse doctors for treating childhood obesity. Dietz also attributed the problem to busy lifestyles where parents cannot monitor children's eating habits and urban designs that discourage physical exercise because they lack sidewalks. He suggested improving schools' physical education classes and offering after-school physical activities. Approximately 12.5% of U.S. children ages 6-17 years are "seriously" overweight, according to the CDC (Griffith, Sacramento Bee, 2/1). To access CDC information on adolescent obesity and physical exercise, visit http://www.cdc.gov/health/obesity.htm.This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.