Acting Surgeon General Promotes "Healthy Youth for a Healthy Future" in Iowa

Acting Surgeon General Steven K. Galson, M.D., M.P.H., will visit Des Moines, Iowa, as part of his nationwide tour to promote the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Healthy Youth for a Healthy Future initiative.

The initiative targets prevention of childhood overweight and obesity and the promotion of healthy lifestyles for young people. Healthy Youth for a Healthy Future showcases communities that address childhood overweight and obesity by helping kids stay active, encouraging healthy eating habits, and promoting healthy choices.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to visit Des Moines, and meet firsthand with people who are actively finding ways at the community level to prevent childhood overweight and obesity," said Galson, a rear admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service.

While in Des Moines, Rear Adm. Galson will meet with Gov. Chet Culver and other state and local leaders to recognize their exemplary efforts in promoting the health of the residents of Iowa. The Hubbell Elementary School will receive a Champion Award from Rear Adm. Galson for its commitment to fighting childhood obesity. Through innovative programs such as KidStriders and Pick a Better Snack, Hubbell Elementary is encouraging good eating habits and regular exercise among its students. KidStriders helps students track their physical activity and rewards students for each five mile increment they walk or run. Pick a Better Snack educates students about healthy snack options.

Nationally, 12.5 million children and adolescents- 17 percent of people ages 2 to 19 years are overweight. The 2007 Iowa Youth Risk Behavior Survey indicates that, among high school students, 11 percent were considered overweight and 81 percent ate fruits and vegetables less than the recommended five times per day.

Additional information on the Surgeon General's Initiative can be found at http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/obesityprevention.html