Louisiana State University Releases Children's Health Report Card

"The Pennington Biomedical Research Center (PBRC) of Louisiana State University released a report card on children's health Monday, giving the state an overall "D" grade based in part on the prevalence of childhood obesity," the Alexandria Town Talk reports. Based on information gained during the study, Louisiana does not provide enough physical activity opportunities to the youth population.

A large 36 percent of children living in Louisiana are overweight or obese! "The report finds that less than 30 percent of youth engage in vigorous physical activity each day, and 53 percent spend more than two hours per day watching television or playing video games," reports the Alexandria Town Talk.

The state was awarded mediocre marks for its efforts to help schools, communities, and the students suffering. The state lacks a plan for promoting wellness to all living in Louisiana. "In recommendations to help the state improve, a panel of state, national and international experts convened by the PBRC called on officials to create opportunities for children and youth to engage in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity," the Alexandria Town Talk reports. They also urged investment to improve the environment to promote health, in minority and low-income communities.

With grades like these the overall outcome can look grim but we can make the changes necessary to save our youth. This is the time to take a stand and really help out in your communities. Each of us can help whether you are a parent, teacher or a Good Samaritan that would like to help. Promote movement, take your children to the park, and invite other parents to join you with their children. Offer healthy snacks like vegetables or fruit. Each day make an effort to live better! It is the small changes that can really make a difference, so next time you are set to drive somewhere walk instead. Choose an apple as a snack rather than a cookie or bag of chips. Help your kids stay on track by becoming a living example. Take charge and make the changes your family needs to live better! Alexandria Town Talk reports. Based on information gained during the study, Louisiana does not provide enough physical activity opportunities to the youth population.

A large 36 percent of children living in Louisiana are overweight or obese! "The report finds that less than 30 percent of youth engage in vigorous physical activity each day, and 53 percent spend more than two hours per day watching television or playing video games," reports the Alexandria Town Talk.

The state was awarded mediocre marks for its efforts to help schools, communities, and the students suffering. The state lacks a plan for promoting wellness to all living in Louisiana. "In recommendations to help the state improve, a panel of state, national and international experts convened by the PBRC called on officials to create opportunities for children and youth to engage in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity," the Alexandria Town Talk reports. They also urged investment to improve the environment to promote health, in minority and low-income communities.

With grades like these the overall outcome can look grim but we can make the changes necessary to save our youth. This is the time to take a stand and really help out in your communities. Each of us can help whether you are a parent, teacher or a Good Samaritan that would like to help. Promote movement, take your children to the park, and invite other parents to join you with their children. Offer healthy snacks like vegetables or fruit. Each day make an effort to live better! It is the small changes that can really make a difference, so next time you are set to drive somewhere walk instead. Choose an apple as a snack rather than a cookie or bag of chips. Help your kids stay on track by becoming a living example. Take charge and make the changes your family needs to live better!