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The Central District Health Department is waging a battle against childhood obesity.
And with the help of local businesses and organizations, along with a $30,000 grant from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, it hopes to make headway this year.
An estimated two-thirds of Nebraska adults are overweight or obese, said Michelle Ellermeier, CDHD community health supervisor.
"There's just an obesity epidemic," she said, and being overweight can lead to other health problems, such as heart disease, the leading cause of death among men and women in the U.S.
Using a three-pronged approach, the CDHD has already started educating the public about the importance of taking small steps to live a healthier life.
This month, the department launched two programs to get Grand Island residents moving and making healthier choices: Catch Kids Club and Walk a Hound Lose a Pound.
The latter of the two was organized in conjunction with the Central Nebraska Humane Society to benefit not only people but pets as well.
Local residents are encouraged to go to the humane society and spend time playing with and walking the dogs there.
Walking burns calories, and the exercise and interaction with the dogs can reduce stress. At the same time, volunteers will be improving the dogs' social skills, making them more adoptable, Ellermeier said.
The program is free to participants, and those interested in scheduling a walk either indoors or outdoors can call 385-5305.
The Catch Kids Club is being administered by the CDHD as well as the Central Nebraska Council on Alcoholism and Addictions. It is a free after-school program that targets children in second to fifth grade who are either overweight or at risk of being overweight. Participants meet for 90 minutes once a week for six weeks and are able to learn about healthy dietary and physical activity choices.
The current class has 21 students from Howard and Lincoln schools, said Connie Holmes, executive director of the council on alcoholism and addictions. There is a high demand for the program already, and more sessions will be organized in future months.
Also, in May the CDHD plans to have a formal launch of its "Be Your Kids' Supermodel" campaign, which is designed to encourage parents to be positive role models for their children.
By making simple but significant choices, such as skipping out on fast food or playing a game of catch after school, parents can encourage their children to live better lives, Ellermeier said.
"Those small choices do add up," she said.
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