Childhood obesity efforts featured on ‘Healthy Living’

Families with children at home for the summer can get helpful diet and activity tips to keep their children healthy on “Healthy Living,” a 30-minute program on Paducah’s Channel 2.

The program, hosted by Western Baptist Hospital customer service director Stacey Young, features interviews with cardiologist Patrick Withrow, M.D., Western Baptist’s vice president and chief medical officer, and dietitian Sherry Golightly. It is part of the hospital’s educational efforts to fight childhood obesity.

“Because of our poor food choices and sedentary lifestyles,” Dr. Withrow said, “sadly, this is the first generation projected not to live longer than their parents. The good news is that we can reverse this trend by making better choices.”

One in three children is overweight or obese, causing hypertension and diabetes – two risks factors for cardiovascular disease – in young people.

Golightly provides specific tips for making better food choices, and Dr. Withrow advises parents and caregivers to get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day with their children.

The program will air at 6 p.m. Wednesdays, 10 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. Fridays, beginning on Wednesday, June 29. 

“Healthy Living” is designed to inform and educate viewers about various health issues. It can be viewed at http://tv.westkentucky.kctcs.edu/videoclips/healthy_living/.