Fit Kids First - FIghting Childhood Obesity with Healthier Options
By: Carolyn Donaldson
Updated: January 30, 2012
Dr. Cochrane with Gesinger Health Systems, says "Many of us feel it's
the most important public helath problem facing the us today."
He's talking about childhood obesity. "It's a national epidemic and hits home right here.
Over 40% in Central PA are obese so they no longer stand out like a sore thumb, it's more the norm," adds Cochrane.
"Docs ain't goin fix it by themselves, Insurance companies aren't going to fix it by themselves. It's really going to take the health care community schools, government, " says Cochrane.
Part of the "Let's Move" campaign started last year by First Lady Michelle Obama - is targeting healthier school lunches.
"They're getting one to two meals a day at school, of their three meals and if we're not providing the kids nutritious meals at school then it's hard to make up for anything when their kids are going home."
Right now 40% of all school lunches are made with processed foods.
"And none of the schools are making it in terms of sodium, " adds Cochrane.
Dr. Cochrane wants that changed into more fresh fruits, veggies and fiber.
There are other recommendations too that include no vending machines in elementary or middle schools.
Parents can always pack their kids lunches to insure a healthy option at lunchtime.
He's talking about childhood obesity. "It's a national epidemic and hits home right here.
Over 40% in Central PA are obese so they no longer stand out like a sore thumb, it's more the norm," adds Cochrane.
"Docs ain't goin fix it by themselves, Insurance companies aren't going to fix it by themselves. It's really going to take the health care community schools, government, " says Cochrane.
Part of the "Let's Move" campaign started last year by First Lady Michelle Obama - is targeting healthier school lunches.
"They're getting one to two meals a day at school, of their three meals and if we're not providing the kids nutritious meals at school then it's hard to make up for anything when their kids are going home."
Right now 40% of all school lunches are made with processed foods.
"And none of the schools are making it in terms of sodium, " adds Cochrane.
Dr. Cochrane wants that changed into more fresh fruits, veggies and fiber.
There are other recommendations too that include no vending machines in elementary or middle schools.
Parents can always pack their kids lunches to insure a healthy option at lunchtime.
