Obesity Prevention
As increasing numbers of children and youth are identified as being overweight or obese, Central District Health Department joins national experts in considering obesity a critical public health threat. With more youth entering adulthood overweight or obese, the danger of serious weight-related diseases, such as: heart disease, diabetes, cancer, asthma, substance abuse and depression, increases substantially. Future long-term poor health, early death, and escalating health care costs will cause a tremendous challenge for our nation’s health care system.
Our goals:
- Increase awareness of childhood obesity.
- Conduct child Body Mass Index (BMI) surveillance of health district children and youth.
- Research best practice resources on physical activity and nutrition.
- Work through community partnerships to develop policies and plans to improve nutrition and increase physical activity in schools and after-school programs.
- Provide education to parents and child care providers on “Ways to Enhance Children’s Physical Activity and Nutrition”.
- Provide web-based resources for additional information on childhood obesity, nutrition, and physical activity.
Community partnerships:
- Activate America
- Action For Healthy Kids Idaho
- Treasure Valley Dietetics Association
Anser Charter School
Resources
- Eat Smart, Play Hard, Power Up Moves (pdf)
- American Dietetics Association
- The Institute of Medicine
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute
- Weight Control Information Network
- Healthier US.Gov
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Presidents Council on Physical Fitness and Sports
Contact
Nancy Rush, RD
Program Manager
Obesity Prevention
208-327-8546
Email Nancy
