The First Lady Michelle Obama Childhood Obesity Let’s Move initiative was launched on Feb. 9, 2010; transcripts, video and photos below. It is a nationwide campaign and federal task force to bring about positive change in light of government statistics which reveal that one third of children in America are overweight or obese.
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The launch took place at the White House following President Barack Obama’s signing of a memorandum establishing a task force on childhood obesity. According to the official release, attendees included Tiki Barber, NBC correspondent and former NFL football player, Dr. Judith Palfrey, President of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Will Allen from Milwaukee, WI, a leader in the effort to bring fresh produce to inner cities and urban areas, Mayors Chip Johnson of Hernando, Mississippi, and Joseph Curtatone of Somerville, Massachusetts, who are leading efforts in their communities to reduce childhood obesity. Also present were students from Bancroft Elementary School in Washington, DC and members of the 2009 national championship pee-wee football team, the Watkins Hornets.
According to the release: “One third of all children born in 2000 or later will suffer from diabetes at some point in their lives; many others will face chronic obesity-related health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and asthma. A recent study put the health care costs of obesity-related diseases at $147 billion per year. This epidemic also impacts the nation’s security, as obesity is now one of the most common disqualifiers for military service.
“The physical and emotional health of an entire generation and the economic health and security of our nation is at stake,” said Mrs. Obama. “This isn’t the kind of problem that can be solved overnight, but with everyone working together, it can be solved. So, let’s move.”
Here is the full text of the Presidential Memorandum on Establishing a Task Force on Childhood Obesity.
Here is the full transcript text of Michelle Obama Childhood Obesity Let’s Move speech from Feb. 9, 2010
More information on the initiative is at the official LetsMove.gov Web site.
For more info, along with pictures, see:
- Michelle Obama Kicks Off Anti-Obesity Drive With White House Events
- The Obamas battle childhood obesity
- Michelle Obama’s child-obesity challenge
YouTube Link
YouTube Link
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Michelle Obama Childhood Obesity ‘Let’s Move’ Initiative Launch (Video, Photos) 2-9-10
6:49 pm on February 9th, 2010 1
Maybe one way to improve awareness about what you eat is at fast food joints and restaurants, charge a penny a calorie. $9.80 for a Double Whopper? No thanks.
See, it might work, or at least have some potential.
5:22 am on March 1st, 2010 2
Obesity is really an epidemic these days. People have become very lazy and does not want to exercise anymore. I do a lot of jogging and brisk walking everyday just to be fit and healthy.