Child Health Week Comes to Tennessee

“Childhood obesity is a serious and growing problem that adults have an opportunity and responsibility to help solve,” said Bredesen. “I encourage every Tennessean to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of children.  Be a good role model.  Make healthy food choices, get fit and stay active. Together we can secure a healthier future for all Tennessee’s children.”

Child Health Day was first proclaimed as a national event in 1928.  Tennessee ranked fourth in the nation in a 2006 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation report for the percent of 10- to 17-year-olds who are obese.

“Habits form early in life, and just as parents work hard to help their children learn good habits like wearing seat belts, brushing teeth, and getting a good night’s sleep, childhood is also the time to teach other good habits that will help kids grow up strong and live long, healthy lives,” said Dr. Michael D. Warren, who serves as medical director for the Governor’s Office of Children’s Care Coordination.

“The state of Tennessee is working diligently to help reverse the rising trend of childhood obesity and improve the health of Tennesseans,” said Commissioner of Health Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN. “Programs like Get Fit Tennessee and Project Diabetes offer community-driven approaches to partnering with families, teachers and other caregivers, making it easier for parents to help their children eat healthy and be active.”

The Governor’s Office of Children’s Care Coordination was established by Bredesen in 2004 to better coordinate the wide range of services available to children throughout state departments and the private sector, with an emphasis on delivery of health care.

The office has created a special Web page for Child Health Week that includes links to information about state programs and services designed to protect the health and safety of Tennessee’s children. Go to www.TN.gov and click on the “Child Health Week” button for more information.