Our state has one of the highest rates of childhood obesity in the country. In the 2016–17 National Survey of Children’s Health, 19.1 percent of Louisiana children ages 10 to 17 were obese, much higher than the national average of 15.8 percent.
September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, and we are focused on highlighting childhood obesity in our community. Through nutritional education and an emphasis on physical fitness, we can help prevent destructive diseases affecting our community, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The National Survey on Children's Health provides rich data on multiple, intersecting aspects of children’s lives - check it out!
There is no simple answer to this problem, but working together to make a change is a good start. Here are some tips to help children maintain a healthy weight, from the CDC.
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Best,
The Healthy Acadiana Team
Mobile Market
Want to shop local, help alleviate food insecurity and increase the local food economy?
By purchasing a weekly Fresh From The Fields Box, which features an assortment of locally grown fruits and vegetables, your purchase contributes to Oko Vue Produce Co.'s commitment to supporting Black farmers and providing healthy options to low-income residents.
They will also deliver! Learn more about this service here.
My Community Cares
My Community Cares program is designed to help individuals and families in need navigate the challenges of obtaining resources and assistance to meet their basic needs. We work with community partners to maximize the assistance for clients by staying abreast of community resources and procedures for referring clients to appropriate resources as well as continuing our efforts to advocates on behalf of clients and families for services, basic needs, and other related issues.
If you know anyone or families in need, please feel free to contact us at 337-233-8302 x 213 or contact United Way of Acadiana online here.
Woman's Foundation Kids on the Geaux
Kids on the Geaux monthly workshops are back! This workshop features a pediatric healthy living program to address childhood obesity in Acadiana for youth and adolescents and their families.
Each session involves 60 minutes of nutritional and behavioral education and 60 minutes of exercise, both aerobic and strength training. Information about current dietary and exercise habits will be discussed. We will cover a different health and nutrition lesson each month. Registration for each session is strongly recommended.
Here to Help!
211 and 232-HELP are easy to remember telephone numbers that connects callers to information about critical health and human services available in their community.
211 and 232-HELP can offer access to the following types of services:
- Basic Human Needs Resources
- Physical and Mental Health Resources
- Employment Support
- Support for Older Americans and Persons with Disabilities
- Support for Children, Youth and Families
- Volunteer opportunities and donations.
Click here to view 232-HELP's website, and Louisiana 211's website.
Macaroni Kid can make it super easy for you to find your family fun all year long. Receive a local calendar of family-friendly events each Thursday evening when you SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE!
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