September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
Emphasis is on 5-2-1-0 guidelines for healthy habits
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 7, 2023
September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about childhood obesity and ways to prevent it while also reducing its stigma. For the annual observance, the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) is teaming up with the Partners for a Healthy Nevada Coalition and other community partners to promote healthy behaviors that can reduce the risk of chronic diseases including obesity. A key focus of this effort is the American Academy of Pediatrics 5-2-1-0 guidelines, which entail the following strategies to develop and maintain healthy habits:
- 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily
- 2 hours or less of recreational screentime daily
- 1 hour of physical activity each day
- 0 sugary beverages each day
In Clark County, 16.5% of high school students have obesity and 17.7% are considered overweight. Statewide, among children entering kindergarten in fall 2019, 11.1% were considered overweight and about one-fifth (21.3%) had obesity. Nationally, 19.3% or 14.4 million children are estimated to have obesity.
Many factors can contribute to excess weight gain, including behavior, genetics and taking certain medications. Other factors include childcare, school and work environments, access to healthy foods and beverages, and access to safe and convenient places for physical activity. Health risks associated with obesity include diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol and more.
As part of Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, the Health District is sponsoring the University of Nevada, Reno – Extension’s 11th Annual Healthy Kids Festival on September 30, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Paradise Recreation Center, 4775 S. McLeod, Las Vegas, NV 89121. Geared toward children ages 3-8, the free family event features interactive activities from local health, nutrition and physical activity specialists as well as local chefs, food growers and gardening experts.
The Get Healthy Clark County Community Calendar has information about other healthy activities for children during September and throughout the year. 5-2-1-0 videos, flyers, posters, communication toolkits and other resources are also available for download in English and Spanish from our Get Healthy Clark County or Viva Saludable websites.
SNHD provides free programs and resources to assist families adopt a healthier lifestyle. They 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.