Making Schools Healthier

The Centers for Disease Control has released alarming statistics that are starting to serve as a wake-up call to families everywhere. Today, about 16 percent of kids are overweight. The Healthy Schools Program is being launched by the American Heart Association and the William J. Clinton Foundation, with funding from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and in collaboration with members of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. Many schools and child care programs nationwide are also participating in this month's Jump Rope for the Heart to encourage exercise combined with supporting the American Heart Association. Parents should ask what their daycare, child care provider, teacher, and/or school is doing to help promote healthy choices and much-needed exercise for youngsters. That's the first step. The second? Set exercise goals as a family.