January 16, 2003

Controlling Adolescent Obesity - Team Up With Jameson!

            New Castle, PA –   According to ABCNEWS.com, the American Heart Association indicates that teenage obesity is on the rise.  Twenty years ago, six percent of the nation’s children and teenagers were considered overweight.  Today, the prevalence of obesity has increased by 39 percent in adolescents 12-17 years of age.  www.aafp.org.

            The American Heart Association announced that fifteen percent of the nation’s children and teenagers are considered overweight.  The emotional effects are tragic; overweight teens are more likely to suffer from low self-esteem and depression.  Increasingly, doctors say, they are seeing children with adult diseases such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, clogged arteries, Type II diabetes, skin conditions and bone problems.  The main culprits are fast-food restaurants, a fast-paced society and schools that neglect their students’ health.  In 2001, only a third of high school students went to a daily gym class. 

    Doctors say the solutions are not easy—just urgent.  Kids need an hour of activity a day and they need to eat better and healthier.

          In conjunction with the above information, Jameson hospital is offering a 10-week program designed for children ages 10-17 entitled “Team Up With Jameson”.  Throughout this program, participants will learn the importance of maintaining a healthy weight which includes good nutrition and physical activity.  Stress relaxation techniques, various ways to improve self-esteem and how to read food labels will also be discussed.

     Classes will meet every Monday beginning February 3, 2003 – April 7, 2003 from

6:00 – 7:00 p.m.  The cost per participant is $10.00.  Parents are encouraged to attend the program with their children.

     ABCNEWS.com reports that today’s obese teenager is tomorrow’s obese adult.  Half of today’s overweight kids will never manage to get back to a healthy size unless they learn to change their lifestyle now.  

     Please call 724-656-4270 to register. This program is sponsored by the Jameson Hospital Community and Staff Education.

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