UNE's Coastal Healthy Communications Coalition promotes National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

Over the past four decades, medical experts have considered the increasing rate in childhood obesity to be an epidemic.  In Maine alone, 27% of high school students, 30% of middle school students, and 36% of kindergarteners are overweight or at risk of becoming overweight.
 
September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month.   Family, friends, educators, and organizations are urged to support this month by encouraging healthy food choices and promoting physical activity.

Childhood obesity is 100% preventable.  Organizations around the United States plan to support this month's fight against childhood obesity through activities that build awareness and take action.  Our nation's hope is that results will last a lifetime.

For more information on giving children a healthier start to life visit www.HealthierKidsBrighterFutures.org

Coastal Healthy Communities Coalition (CHCC) is a community-based health promotion coalition working to promote tobacco prevention/cessation, substance abuse prevention, physical activity and nutrition in both the community and schools. CHCC collaborates with community partners to support initiatives and policy changes that promote and encourage healthy lifestyles through increased physical activity or nutrition. The coalition is a program of the University of New England's College of Osteopathic Medicine. CHCC is a Healthy Maine Partnership. For more information on the coalition, contact Megan Rochelo at 602-3550 or visit www.une.edu/chcc.