HUDSON: KEEPS KIDS MOVING
by Terri Ferguson - DDT - Wednesday, May 28, 2008 1:57 PM CDT

GREENVILLE - Some health experts are cautiously optimistic about the possible leveling off of the childhood obesity epidemic in the United States, but before anyone gets too excited, officials say there's still a long way to go.“That is a first encouraging finding in what has been unremittingly bad news,” said Dr. David Ludwig, director of an obesity clinic at Children's Hospital Boston. “But it's too soon to know if this really means we're beginning to make meaningful inroads into this epidemic. It may simply be a statistical fluke.”

In 2003-04 and 2005-06, roughly 32 percent of children were overweight or obese, and 16 percent were obese, according to a study by the federal Centers for Disease Co ntrol and Prevention.Even if the numbers hold up, it would be premature to celebrate, according to CDC researcher Cynthia Ogden, the study's lead authority.Locally, Greenville Mayor Heather McTeer Hudson wants to remind children and their parents that exercise is important for their health and should be included in summer plans. To that end, Hudson's office is compiling a list of activities that will keep children busy this summer.

“We are in the process of finalizing the mayor's summer youth calendar that will feature all types of fun activities, camps and events for young people in Greenville,” Hudson said.The calendar runs from June 1 to Aug. 1 and is designed to give parents and children options for summer fun in Greenville. That includes information, such as when local parks and recreational centers are open and dates for various camps throughout the city.

“Already, the calendar lists local opportunities for everything from swimming lessons and tennis to cheerleading and vacation Bible school. Some activities include a low fee but there are some that are free,” she said.“Overall, We want our young people to know that there is something to do in Greenville this summer,” Hudson said. “It is also our effort to encourage kids to get outside, be active and get involved in local events that are just for them.”

Hudson said any organization or church that has an activity for youn g people 17 and under should call her office at (662) 378-1501 to have the event listed on the calendar. The calendar will be available June 1.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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