Obesity is an epidemic in Kentucky, according to a recent report by the Kentucky Department of Public Health.  Startling statistics peppered the findings. More than two-thirds of Kentucky adults are overweight or obese. Childhood obesity rates in the state have tripled since 1980. It is projected that a third of the babies born in Kentucky will develop diabetes in their lifetimes.

Things can change, and a partnership plans to stem the obesity tide through the promotion of physical activity and proper nutrition. The Partnership for a Fit Kentucky provides support to the Obesity Prevention Grant the Kentucky Department of Public Health received from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The partnership includes a number of concerned state agencies and departments, including the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service and Kentucky 4-H.

Some of the partnership‚s goals are to encourage people to eat more vegetables and fruits, impress on new mothers the importance of breastfeeding their babies, increase physical activity among all age groups, reduce TV viewing time, increase parental involvement and address other dietary concerns.

Weight-related illnesses like diabetes and heart disease are on the rise. If you are concerned about your child not getting enough exercise, 4-H has many opportunities that can get and keep them moving. 

4-H offers programs for dog lovers, horse lovers, farming, after school fitness clubs and cooking clubs, to name a few.  Not only will your children get exercise but they will learn confidence, team work, new skills and how to lead a healthier lifestyle.

Contact The Logan County Cooperative Extension Service for a list of 4-H programs to keep your children moving and consequently improving their health and well-being. For more information on the Partnership for a Fit Kentucky, visit their website http://fitky.org.

Source: Deana Reed, 4-H Youth Development Extension Specialist and Partnership for a Fit Kentucky