CHICAGO In a state that ranks high in childhood obesity, North Carolina health officials and educators gathered Tuesday to talk about the problem.
North Carolina ranks No. 14 for overweight 10- to 17-year-olds. One in 10 high school students in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is obese.
And 57 percent of CMS high school students don't meet recommended levels of physical activity.
Obesity can lead to heart disease, diabetes or other illnesses.
"We're in an epidemic," said Paula Collins, the N.C. State Board of Education's senior policy adviser for healthy responsible students.
IMPACT Childhood Obesity, a North Carolina-based organization that promotes child and adolescent wellness, hosted the event. About 150 attended the conference, which continues today at Lowe's Motor Speedway.
"Our overall goal is really to bring attention to the schools and community at large," said J. Allen Queen, a founder of IMPACT and a UNCCharlotte education professor.
Collins said the State Board of Education works with legislators to promote physical activity, healthy eating and positive character building in middle and high school students. She also said public school cafeterias are providing healthier food choices for students -- including whole wheat pizza crust, vegetables and low-fat dairy products.
"If you can maintain the weight during middle school because of the growth they go through, they'll be fine later in life," she said.
Some legislative goals include free lunches for all students and daily physical education classes.
Reggie McAfee, the first African American to break the four-minute mile record, outlined his 3-year-old Cross Country for Youth running program. More than 250 kids participate in McAfee's 10-week after-school program that promotes character building. The runners exercise every day and compete in four statewide races.
"Physical activity helps prevent children from being obese," he said. "We feel like the solution is also centered around healthy eating and nutrition." To see more of The Charlotte Observer, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.charlotteobserver.com. Copyright (c) 2009, The Charlotte Observer, N.C. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.
Copyright (C) 2009, The Charlotte Observer, N.C.