News Release

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

Acting Surgeon General Steven K. Galson, M.D., M.P.H., will make another stop on his nationwide tour to promote the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Childhood Overweight and Obesity Prevention Initiative on Aug. 29 in Dallas, Texas. The initiative targets prevention of overweight and obesity prevention, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles, for young people.

The Healthy Youth for a Healthy Future project 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 Dallas, and meet first-hand with those actively engaged in finding ways to prevent childhood overweight and obesity," said Galson, a rear admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service.

In Dallas, RADM Galson will present the Healthy Youth for a Healthy Future Champion Award to the Dallas Area Coalition to Prevent Childhood Obesity in recognition of its work in promoting physical activity and fighting childhood obesity.

RADM Galson will also 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.

Among high school students in the Dallas public school district, the 2007 Dallas Youth Risk Behavior Survey showed 19 percent were overweight.

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

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Last revised: September 04, 2008