Melzer School

HEALTH  WELLNESS  and  FITNESS  

Dear Parent/Guardian,

Obesity is a significant problem among children today.  Illinois has the fourth highest obesity rate in the country. 1 in 5 Illinois children are considered obese.  For the first time in history, children are at risk of living a shorter life span than their parents.  Obesity increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other medical conditions.  It can also contribute to low self esteem and discrimination.  However, there is good news!  Children can lose weight and obesity can be prevented!

Several area programs are now in place to help reduce and prevent obesity in our children.  January's focus is on a program started by Children's Memorial Hospital called the Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children (CLOCC).  CLOCC promotes healthy and active lifestyles throughout the Chicago area.

Their public education campaign is called "54321 GO".  The campaign emphasizes:

5 servings of fruits and vegtables a day

                                               4 servings of water a day

                                               3 servings of low-fat dairy a day

                                               2 or less hours of screen time a day

                                               1 or more hours of physical activity a day

These are all important steps to help children maintain a healthy weight.  For more information, please refer to the CLOCC website at www.clocc.net or the Children's Memorial Hospital website at www.childrensmemorial.org.

Melzer School Health Office