Health & Fitness
Georgia's "Fat" Kids Recognize the Problem
My thoughts on the current child obesity campaign aiming to bring awareness to Georgia's parents.
With our love for sweet tea and peach cobbler, it is no surprise that Georgians are statistically a little heavier than the rest of the country, but even I was surprised at the recent report that named Georgia #2 in the country with childhood obesity. Even more alarming? The report also stated that 75% of parents with an overweight child do not see or recognize a problem.
So, what’s the problem? The controversy is mainly focused around whether or not overweight children, who will no doubt view one of these ads, will feel worse about themselves due to the content. Some even claim that this openness will cause obese children to gain more weight.
My thoughts? I counsel children regularly as a part of my job and most overweight children are already wrestling with the thoughts these ad campaigns speak about. I would even go on to say that they could feel a certain kinship with some of the children. The kids know they are different. They recognize the problem. They want to fit in. It’s the parents who need to get on board. I don’t expect to see any kids in my office this week who need to talk because they saw these ads.
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That being said, I feel like the Georgia Children’s Health Alliance did a great job with the commercials and missed the mark with the billboards. They walked a fine line between getting the state’s attention and being slightly offensive. They rode the line and may have crossed it in a couple of places, but at the end of the day-they at least did something. They saw a problem and they are working hard to build awareness to it. I commend their efforts.
Tucker Middle School Health Fair and 5K Run/Walk
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When/Where: Saturday, Sept. 24, 7 a.m., , 2160 Idlewood Road, Tucker.
Why Go: The Picture of Health Foundation is having its first annual 5K run/walk at Tucker Middle to raise funds for childhood obesity. Open to all ages, the 5K will jumpstart the event, and a health fair will take place afterward with posture screenings, diabetes screenings, dental health checks, flu shots and more.
Pricing: $30 for adults and $10 for students under 18 on day of race. The health fair is free.