The 1st Annual Hamilton County PTA Council Healthy Walk will be held from 10-10:20 a.m. Friday at most schools. Most students will be walking at the same time, promoting exercise and a healthy lifestyle.
Sen. Andy Berke said, "As parents of school aged children (with kids in school), we know the temptations in children's lives: fried foods, video games, and so on. Just like their parents, children will give in to these temptations, which – in moderation – is fine.
"We should be honest with ourselves, however, that many of our children are developing problems with childhood obesity. The National Survey of Children's Health says that 36.5 percent of Tennessee children are overweight. Unfortunately, that statistic puts us near the top of the list in one category where we want to be at the bottom, as we are fifth-worst in the nation.
"The numbers from Tennessee's coordinated school health data are even more bleak: 17.6 percent of our children are overweight, and 23.4 percent are obese. Obesity can lead to serious health issues, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney disease.
"That's why we want to encourage parents and children alike to promote the 1st Annual Hamilton County PTA Council Healthy Walk. Held from 10-10:20 a.m. this Friday at most schools, most students will be walking at the same time, promoting exercise and a healthy lifestyle.
"October is designated as the national walking month, which makes this week the perfect time to talk about how we can live longer and healthier by paying attention to activity and diet. With this promotion in our schools, we will be raising awareness and taking a moment to remind our students of the importance of exercise.
"We commend members of the school administration, individual principals and teachers, and Russell Cliche with Coordinated School Health for their help in making this event possible.
"Also, The Healthy Walk is a reminder of the dedication and hard work of PTAs across the area. Men and women at all our schools have put time and effort into this event, and they should be thanked. Without parental involvement, all of our schools suffer."