More than 125 State Leaders - Including Governor, Lt. Governor, and Congressional Delegation - Endorse Campaign to Make Delaware's Kids the Healthiest in ...( NEWARK Del. Oct. 1 -- More than ...),Health

NEWARK, Del., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than 125 leaders from throughout the state today, led by Governor Ruth Ann Minner, joined together to support a multi-year, statewide campaign to Make Delaware's Kids the Healthiest in the Nation. The campaign, launched by Nemours Health and Prevention Services (NHPS), will encourage and celebrate the efforts of schools, communities, health professionals, parents, and other leaders to improve the motivation, opportunity and ability for children to eat right and be more physically active.

In Delaware, childhood obesity affects all communities -- with approximately 36% of children and youth having an unhealthy weight -- and those rates continue to rise. This epidemic has a significant impact on the state's economy as well, currently costing Delaware at least $207 million in medical expenditures every year.

"Obesity is a national and statewide epidemic, and can lead to devastating, long-term health risks for our children. That is why many leaders, from all parts of the state, have pledged today to help Delaware's children live a healthy lifestyle," said Debbie I. Chang, Senior Vice President and Executive Director of NHPS. "They understand that kids can't do it alone when it comes to eating healthy foods, like fruits and vegetables, being more physically active, reducing recreational screen time, and avoiding sugary beverages. And, they know that kids can't do it alone when it comes to making these opportunities available in all communities."

NHPS has been working for more than three years to improve the ability for Delaware kids to make healthy choices. "We have done that by reaching out to kids in all the places where they spend their time, like schools, child care centers, community centers, and doctor's offices. This campaign is an amplification of our ongoing work, a means to accelerate policy and practice change in places where kids live, learn, and play," said Chang.

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