We all have a stake in the obesity battle
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Does it seem to you as if the issue of childhood obesity should be solved by now with all of the national and local press coverage?
Whether it’s from a national magazine like Newsweek or our first lady Michelle Obama, this critical health challenge appears and reappears virtually every week with the same depressing statistics.
More than 20 percent of our young children are obese or overweight. One-third are not physically fit. It’s not getting better; it’s getting worse year after year. Enter SummerFest 2010! In its fifth year, SummerFest brings a funfilled day of physical activity, good food, environmental education, music and dance, gardening and health information.
Why does this event make an impact on the health of our students and our community? Everyone is involved, that’s why. More than 6,500 kids and families attended last year’s SummerFest. The event is a collaborative endeavor under the auspices of Ventura Unified School District and the Ventura Education Partnership.
If we all take responsibility to slow obesity rates and if we are all part of an event that is a great model for children, then, perhaps, we might be able to move the statistical trend line down.
SummerFest is a place where the community can come together to have fun and learn that childhood obesity can be conquered — by staying active and eating well.
— Ed Wehan of Ventura is a Ventura Parks and Recreation commissioner.
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By Ed Wehan
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