There’s strong momentum in the fight against the childhood obesity epidemic – nationally and locally.
First Lady Michelle Obama named Mayor Cory Booker and Senator Bill Frist as chairs of her recently launched Childhood Obesity Foundation. (More at www.letsmove.gov.)
And maybe you’re like me and keep tuning in to Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution on ABC as he takes on diets full of processed foods. (What? I’m not lame. That’s a good show.)
Next month, you can help tackle childhood obesity by registering for the Junior League of Memphis 5K for Kids, which will be held on Saturday, May 8th at 9am. I hope you’ll sign up and come walk or run.
Maybe you’re like my friend, Holly, who has a new year’s resolution to run a 5K every month in 2010 (an awesome idea by the way). Or maybe you’ve never walked or run in a 5K.
For me, I started running last Summer when my friend Michelle called and said, “Hey, want to run in Zoom Through the Zoo this afternoon?” I thought sure, why not? Well, let me tell ya, there was a time, somewhere between the Hippos and Cat Canyon, when I thought I might die… (Thank you Michelle and Amber for pulling me through.) But, 4-miles later I was hooked and on a path to finishing my first half marathon in December ‘09.
Anyway, I digress.
Tennessee ranks third in the nation for childhood obesity, and the risk is also high for Mid-South children to develop type 2 Diabetes! Sign up and join the fight here in Memphis.
Junior League of Memphis 5K for Kids
Saturday, May 8th
9am
Great post. Let’s get our kids moving, rolling,running whatever get’s them out of the house. Especially with this weather right now. Happy Easter!
Yay!!! I love it Sara, and looking forward to running many more races with you!
Sara, thanks for this great piece! I’ll be at the race – walking, not running – but can’t wait to participate nonetheless. Hope many more will join us in taking steps to end childhood obesity.
I can’t wait to participate in this event. Mayor Wharton sees the importance of our cause and has gotten involved. See everyone on Saturday!
Yaay! Walking or running in Saturday’s 5K for Kids is such an easy (and fun) way to help with this important issue.
New article this week on childhood obesity: http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/638745.html
“A new study finds that nearly half of kids nationwide are now overweight (32 percent) or obese (16 percent), with rates of childhood obesity much higher in Southern states than in other regions.”
Register for the 5K Online:
http://juniorleagueofmemphis5k.racesonline.com/