A Healthy DC

Nearly one in four children in DC is overweight. That means we have the largest number of obese kids in the United States. With the growing epidemic of obesity in this country, this is not a statistic we District residents should be proud of. We are killing our kids, and it's only going to get worse if we don't do something about it.

Changing eating habits is not an easy task. Companies offering fast food and junk food spend billions of dollars every year advertising to children and their parents. Healthy foods are often not available in certain neighborhoods of this city. There is not enough emphasis placed on physical activity. This can all be changed, but it must be done with parents, schools and government working together.

My mother raised me on a healthful diet. Because I learned the value of nutrition at a young age, I naturally watch my diet now that I am older. And I will do the same with my children, making sure that they learn good eating habits. Parents and other adults must take an active roles in giving kids the tools and the knowledge they need to stay healthy.

Government and business can contribute, as well. We need to do more public awareness and outreach campaigns in our poorest neighborhoods. Messages directed to parents and children should encourage healthy eating and physical activity. Businesses should offer healthy options for residents as well, giving them the opportunity to eat right. Finally, our schools must to do more to promote a healthy lifestyle. This means better nutrition education, more rigorous PE and the removal of all junk foods from school. With a bit of imagination, school kitchens can provide delicious, nutritious, and well-balanced meals, without increasing costs.


Let's give our kids a head start and give them the tools they need to live long and healthy lives.