For Immediate Release
Mercy Battles Childhood Obesity with Fun
Oklahoma City — What do hula hoops, mystery
ingredient smoothies and the First Lady have in common? With more than a
third of children labeled as obese, each one is just a part of reversing
the rise of childhood obesity. First Lady Michelle Obama is working to
tackle the problem head-on with a new program in Washington, D.C. But,
you don’t have to visit Capitol Hill to find solutions for your
children.
Mercy Health Center has an easy way for children to
learn about healthy living, and parents get some free time, too. Mercy
Kidscook, an after-school program slated for February 22, offers
children two hours of healthy, tasty cooking, as well as physical
activities to get their hearts pumping.
“The goal of Mercy Kidscook is to show kids healthy
living is fun,” said Lori Manning, Mercy dietitian. “They get to try out
different healthy recipes and we show them some new exercises they can
do at home to keep fit. By giving them these tools, we’re showing them
how they can avoid diabetes, heart disease and other conditions that go
hand-in-hand with obesity.”
Along with healthy cooking and physical activities,
the children, ranging from pre-kindergarten to fourth grade, will also
learn about other topics like the food pyramid and portion control.
“Unfortunately, Oklahoma is leading the pack
nationally in bad health,” said Manning. “As parents, we have to teach
good habits early so children don’t have to battle obesity and health
problems as adults.”
Mercy Kidscook will be held February 22 from 4:30 to
6:30 p.m. at Mercy Health Center’s Conference Center, 4300 W. Memorial
Rd. There is a $10 fee and space is limited. For more information, call
(405) 752-3087.
Press release dated: February 9, 2010
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