Got Milk? Campaign Will Recognize and Reward Moms for Their Role as the Family's Chief Heal...( $100000 'Mom Paycheck' Provided for...),Health

$100,000 'Mom Paycheck' Provided for Successfully Tackling This Valuable

Part of Her Job

MIAMI, May 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Mothers have always had a lot on their plates -- from carpool queen to coach, counselor to chef. It's all been part of a day's work. However, with the growing concerns over childhood obesity and inadequate nutrition, many moms have taken on yet another important role -- that of Chief Health Officer for the family.

In most households, moms are the nutritional gatekeeper and largely determine what foods and beverages their families consume. This "job description" has become increasingly important with the country's rising rate of childhood obesity, which has tripled in the last 30 years. To recognize this vital role, America's milk processors are joining forces with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Project M.O.M. to salute moms nationwide for helping to keep their families healthy and fit.

Just in time for Mother's Day, moms can win a reward they so richly deserve -- a $100,000 paycheck for serving as Chief Health Officer. Details about the contest are available at whymilk.com or by texting "PAYDAY" to "75308" on a mobile phone (before June 11) to find out how to enter.

"As the nutritional gatekeeper, mom has a huge day-by-day influence on her family's nutrition, and she may not realize her pivotal role in combating the country's obesity crisis," says Dr. Brian Wansink, executive director of the USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. "Her actions can make a tremendous impact on the health of her family." In fact, Wansink calls it the "72 percent solution," because his research shows that moms influence about 72 percent of what children eat and drink.

One small change like serving lowfat or fat free milk instead of sugary soft drinks and fruit drinks can make a big difference in the health and weight of children and teens. St
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