Acting Surgeon General Promotes "Healthy Youth for a Healthy Future" in New Mexico

Acting Surgeon General Steven K. Galson, M.D., M.P.H., will visit Albuquerque and Shiprock, N.M. 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 these New Mexico communities, 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.

In Albuquerque on Aug. 26, RADM Galson will meet local and tribal health representatives to present the Healthy Youth for a Healthy Future Champion award to the BodyWorks program in recognition of their efforts in helping kids stay active, encouraging kids’ healthy eating habits, and promoting healthy choices.  The BodyWorks program has built on their local success and recently launched a new version for Native American families.

In Shiprock on Aug. 27, RADM Galson will meet with key tribal and community leaders, including school officials, educators, and health care staff to discuss childhood obesity prevention and recognize with a Champion award the Just Move It program for its work in promoting physical activity among American Indian and Alaska Native children.   Later that day, RADM Galson will also participate in the ceremonial opening of the wellness center at the Tse’ Bit’ Ai Junior High School.  This new center will help students stay fit and healthy using new tools such as exer-gaming and interactive stationary bicycles.  

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