Why Eat Wise - Exercise™?
Childhood obesity is a growing problem in America today. In the past thirty years the percentage of obese kids has tripled.  Today about 1 child out of 5 is excessively overweight.

Junk foods, super-sizing and lack of exercising and physical activity are the culprits. As Tommy G. Thompson, former Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services put it: "America is just too darn fat."

Why does it matter?
Childhood obesity is life threatening -- it leads to killer diseases: heart disease, stroke and diabetes. "Obesity is about to eclipse smoking as the single largest preventable cause of death in the United States," says former U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona. In addition to physical problems, overweight and obese kids often experience ridicule and social isolation. Acting Surgeon General Steven K. Galson, states, "Early intervention against overweight and obesity is crucial... because children learn lifelong eating and activity habits at a young age." 1

The White House is joining with America's surgeon generals in advocating for healthier lifestyles. "White House officials say the focus on healthy eating will be a significant item on Mrs. Obama's agenda."2 First Lady Michelle Obama, a champion of healthful food and healthful living, believes that fresh, nutritious foods are critical components of everyone's diet.

Kids Care Clubs Eat Wise - Exercise!™Food Rules! will teach your club members what foods are nutritious, why kids should eat them and how much of them they should eat. It provides the tools and resources to educate, advocate and encourage your community to eat healthy, stay active and have fun in the process.

Kids Care Clubs Eat Wise - Exercise!™Food Rules!
Project Goals:

• To educate kids about healthy eating and physical activity.
• To empower kids to make healthy food choices and exercise.
• To engage kids in service activities related to nutrition and exercise.

Eat Wise - Exercise!™ Food Rules! focuses on healthy eating. Eat Wise - Exercise!™ Get Movin' focuses on the importance of physical activity in leading a healthy lifestyle. Choose one of the projects below or combine with projects from Eat Wise - Exercise!™ Get Movin'. Resources on the right side of the page will help you introduce and implement your project.

1 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

2 Michelle Obama's Agenda Includes Healthy Eating, New York Times, March 11, 2009