Health District observes Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
Spotlight on 5-2-1-0 guidelines for healthy living
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 3, 2024
LAS VEGAS – September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, a time to learn about how to prevent obesity and reduce the stigma around it. The Southern Nevada Health District’s Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, along with Partners for a Healthy Nevada Coalition, are promoting the 5-2-1-0 guidelines. These evidence-based recommendations can help children — and people of all ages — adopt healthier lifestyles. Activities and events scheduled during the month are available on the Get Healthy Clark County and Spanish-language Viva Saludable websites.
The 5-2-1-0 guidelines are simple:
- Eat 5 fruits and vegetables each day
- Get 2 hours or less of recreational screen time each day
- Get 1 hour of physical activity each day
- Drink 0 sugary beverages each day
Obesity is a complex, chronic disease with many contributing factors. Children with obesity are more likely to be diagnosed with related chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. They are also more likely to have obesity as adults. In Clark County, approximately 15% of high school students have obesity and 17% are overweight. In Nevada, 33% of children entering kindergarten already have obesity or are overweight. Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that approximately 19.3% of children (14.4 million) have obesity.
Racial and ethnic disparities in obesity underscore the need to address social determinants of health such as poverty, education and housing, to remove barriers to health. Nationally, 25.6% of Hispanic children; 24.2% of non-Hispanic Black children; 16.1% of non-Hispanic white children; and 8.7% of non-Hispanic Asian children have obesity.
During Childhood Obesity Awareness Month and throughout the year, the Health District promotes access to its free programs and resources that help families live healthier lives. The resources are available in English and Spanish, and are accessible on the Get Healthy Clark County or Viva Saludable websites, or by calling (702) 759-1270.
The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.