Kids in the Kitchen
Saturday, October 22, 2011
at the Toledo Seagate Center
Obesity has become an epidemic in the United States. Over the last 30 years, there has been a substantial increase in the number of children who are overweight. In the 1960s, only 5% of children and adolescents were overweight, but, currently greater than 15% of children aged 6-19 are overweight. If a child is overweight by the age of 10-13 there is a 70% chance that he/she will be overweight as an adult. Overweight children have increased incidence of hypertension, coronary artery disease, sleep apnea, and type 2 diabetes. There can be psychological complications as well, including low self esteem, increased risk of discrimination, and poor body image.
Kids in the Kitchen is a large-scale health expo that is free and open to the public focused on educating children and their parents on issues of nutrition and fitness and highlighting the many community resources in these areas. A variety of interactive booths and areas will be available sponsored by local businesses and organizations. The goal is to educate 500 children in the Toledo area about healthy living through food and exercise.
