UMaine Fitness, Nutrition Experts Available to Discuss National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
Contacts listed in text
ORONO – September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, and as the school lunch and other child nutrition programs are set to expire Sept. 30, nutrition and fitness advocates are encouraging Congress to act swiftly to pass child nutrition bill for the President to sign.
University of Maine exercise physiologists and nutritionists are available to discuss simple steps children, parents and school administrations can take to improve physical education and exercise activities for youth, and advice on healthy, nutritional school lunches and snacks.
Childhood obesity has increased more than fourfold among those ages 6 to 11, according to the National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month website. More than 23 million children and teenagers in the United States ages 2 to 19 are obese or overweight, a statistic that health and medical experts consider an epidemic. This puts nearly a third of America’s children at early risk for Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke – conditions previously associated with adulthood, the website warns. Of all of New England, Maine has the highest obesity rate.
Kinesiologist and physical education researcher Nellie Cyr of the UMaine College of Education and Human Development faculty, is available at (207) 581-2461 to discuss fitness activities, strategies and school-based intervention programs to reduce obesity in children. Cyr’s research has delved into ways to engage parents and communities, in addition to teachers, in promoting healthier nutrition for children.
Nutritionist Mary Ellen Camire of the university’s Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition is available as of Monday, Sept. 20 to discuss easily implemented nutrition and dietary measures to reduce unhealthy eating habits. She can be reached at (207) 581-1636.
Kinesiologist and physical education researcher and faculty member Stephen Butterfield can be reached at (207) 581-2469 to discuss new student fitness testing methods that have inspired children to become more active as a way to improve fitness test performance.