Family and Social Services Administration
Ways to Help Prevent Childhood Obesity
Obesity is a problem with Indiana's children. Almost one third of children 5 years of age and younger have a body weight that is greater than 85 percent of their peers. Half of those children are considered obese and are at a great risk for health and self-esteem problems later in life.
The Indiana Healthy Weight Initiative (IHWI) is a statewide task force that works together to improve the health of Hoosiers through policy and physical environment supports in these specific settings: worksites, schools, health care, breastfeeding, older adult, child care, community built environment, and community food environment. The IHWI has released a series of videos highlighting successes in each of these settings.
The latest release, Child Care, features Crosslight Christian School in Cicero, Indiana. Please take a few minutes to watch the video which features the following individuals discussing the important role of nutrition and physical activity in a child care setting:
- Joanna Moore, director of Crosslight Christian School
- Jamie Evans, mother and employee at Crosslight Christian
- Patricia Cole, Indiana Accreditation Project Senior Director at the Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children
Watch the video: http://www.inhealthyweight.org/203.htm?itemCode=1VNSUcOd686EC2Iy5FOK6A6239EQ90L6239EQ90L&v=21
After watching the video, please help us spread the word about the great work being done throughout Indiana.
Visit the links below for more information on ways to help prevent childhood obesity
- Apply for or check the status of my Medicaid (health coverage), SNAP (food assistance) or TANF (cash assistance) benefits.
- Find a quality child care provider in my local area.
- Learn about home and community-based supports for the elderly.
- Learn about job assistance for people with disabilities.
- Seek help for a mental health issue or a drug, alcohol or gambling addiction.
