Start Comparing Rates within Minutes!
Start Comparing Rates within Minutes and you could save!
Compare Rates Within Minutes!
- Complete 1 short quote form
- Compare rates from top insurers
- Save time & money!
President Obama establishes Task Force on Childhood ObesityPosted On Wed, February 10, 2010
President Obama establishes Task Force on Childhood Obesity
President Barack Obama has officially established the Task Force on Childhood Obesity to try and address the growing problem of overweight children.
The task force, which will be led by First Lady Michelle Obama, will attempt to learn information on the subject while coordinating with other governmental agencies to develop ways to reduce the problem.
According to a White House Memorandum released in conjunction with the task force’s establishment, almost one-third of the children across the country are considered overweight or obese -triple the rate of adolescents who were considered obese in 1980.
Additionally, one-third of all children born in 2000 will develop diabetes while others will suffer from heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, or asthma.
“Without effective intervention, many more children will endure serious illnesses that will put a strain on our health-care system. We must act now to improve the health of our Nation's children and avoid spending billions of dollars treating preventable disease.
The task force will also utilize the cooperation of outside organizations and celebrity/sports figures. Newly acquired New York Yankees Centerfielder Curtis Granderson was announced as the representative for Major League Baseball to aid Michelle Obama with the initiative.
Promoting exercise and healthy habits to children may also stand to reduce the number of deadly heart- and diabetes-related diseases that insurers must cover every year. That could, in turn, help to lower the health insurance premiums charged by the companies.
Feedback or questions? Email the editor here.