Michelle Obama Tackles Childhood Obesity

First Lady Michelle Obama wants to change
the way U.S. children eat and play. Disturbed by childhood obesity rates, she has enlisted the help of the White House to launch the Let’s Move campaign. According to a press release, she has gathered support from people in government, medicine, science, business, education and athletics to overcome the childhood overweight/obesity problem. For example, several school lunch suppliers have agreed to
reduce the fat, sugar and salt content of their meals over the next
5 years. And professional athletes have volunteered to support
a “60 Minutes of Play a Day” message through public service
announcements to be broadcast on major television stations.

“The physical and emotional health of an entire generation
and the economic health and security of our nation is at stake,” said Mrs. Obama in a press release. “This isn’t the kind of problem that can be solved overnight, but with everyone working together, it can be solved. So, let’s move.” 

Part of the First Lady’s initiative is to educate parents on how to help their children make healthier choices and become more active. “Parents play a key role in making healthy choices for their children and teaching their children to make healthy choices for themselves. But in today’s busy world, this isn’t always easy. So Let’s Move will offer parents the tools, support and information they need to make healthier choices for their families.” For more information on the Let’s Move campaign, visit www.letsmove.gov.