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Civic leaders and activists with an interest in health and fitness are urged to follow the lead of residents of Marshfield, Wisconsin. Heath officials in the small town have launched a grass-roots effort to fight a growing epidemic of overweight children and adults and its associated risk for diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Marshfield cardiologist Charles McCauley was distressed by the growing number of young people with heart disease coming to see him. He and other doctors formed a coalition to promote healthier living, then took the concept to community leaders.
While the Healthy Lifestyles Coalition wants to promote better health for everyone, the primary focus is currently on children in elementary school. Programs being developed include those offering healthier food choices in school cafeterias and introducing more active sports to physical-education classes. New bicycle and pedestrian pathways are being considered to encourage parents to walk to school with their students. Schools may also offer night classes in healthful Mediterranean cooking.
"My sense is that people want to change, but they don't know how," Dr. McCauley said in an interview.
Dr. Cory SerVaas encourages communities interested in preparing their children to compete in foot races, swimming, tennis, basketball, and soccer contests at the annual Tulip Time Scholarship Games in Indianapolis to log on to the Children's Better Health Institute Web site at www.fitnessfarm.org. Children are motivated with prizes such as bicycles, scholarships, and a chance for a Walt Disney World vacation. Many practice all year for a chance to compete in the meets with children from around the country.
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