Television, video games and a sedentary lifestyle are contributing to decreased activity and increased obesity among today’s youth.

In Kentucky, 17 percent of children 2 to 4 years old and 15 percent of children 6 to 11 years old are overweight and at risk of becoming obese. As these numbers continue to increase, Western Baptist is taking steps to combat the growing epidemic and improve the fitness of area youth.

“Being overweight is just one cause for concern,” said pediatrician David Schell, M.D. “The risks of diabetes, stroke, arthritis and cardiovascular disease also increase. Overweight children also seem to suffer more emotional distress and experience lower self-esteem than other children.”

Project Fit America

Western Baptist will award a $15,000 grant soon to an elementary school to help improve the health and fitness of its students over the next two years. More than 40 elementary schools have been invited to submit grant applications through Project Fit America.

Project Fit America is a non-profit public charity that has administered $6 million in fitness programs in more than 500 school systems since 1990. The school chosen for the grant will receive funds and program support to increase children’s fitness testing levels and teach lifetime health habits.

While Project Fit America will administer the program, hospital staff will be available for consultation. “We look forward to forming a partnership with an area school to promote health and fitness for our children,” said Dona Rains, the hospital’s Marketing director.

Teacher training, individual gradeby- grade curriculum, indoor and outdoor exercise equipment and ongoing support for two years will be provided.

“I applaud Western Baptist for taking part in a program designed to improve the health and mental wellbeing of each participant and his or her family,” said Mark Birdwhistell, secretary for the Cabinet of Health and Family Services. “Through the comprehensive education and exercise programs, families are encouraged to modify diets, engage in more physical activity and improve overall health.”