News Release

Acting U.S. Surgeon General Promotes "Healthy Youth for a Healthy Future" in Raleigh

Acting U.S. Surgeon General Rear Adm. Steven K.Galson, M.D., M.P.H., will make a third stop on his nationwide tour to promote the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Childhood Overweight and Obesity Prevention Initiative, which targets overweight and obesity prevention and the promotion of healthy lifestyles for children, on March 28, 2008 in Raleigh, N.C.

The "Healthy Youth for a Healthy Future" initiative focuses on recognizing and showcasing those communities throughout the nation that are addressing childhood overweight and obesity prevention by helping kids stay active, encouraging healthy eating habits, and promoting healthy choices.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to visit communities across the country, like Raleigh, and meet first-hand with those actively engaged in finding ways to prevent childhood overweight and obesity," said Dr. Galson.

Throughout the trip he will meet with key community stakeholders including representatives from business, industry, academia and other local leaders to discuss childhood obesity prevention and learn about existing prevention programs. Later that day, Dr. Galson will meet with school officials and students from Barwell Elementary School, located in Raleigh, N.C., and participate in a fun walk with students along the Barwell Road Walking Trail, a one-half-mile walking trail built as part of the North Carolina Division of Public Health Eat Smart Move More grant designed to increase opportunities for physical activity and healthier eating. He will also deliver an award in recognition of this partnership.

According to 2005 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 14.4 percent of high school students in North Carolina were overweight, with an additional 16 percent at risk for becoming overweight. The 2005 Youth Risk Behavior Survey also indicated that 54 percent of the students did not meet the current recommended levels of physical activity.

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

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Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.

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Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.

Last revised: September 04, 2008