News Release

Los Angeles Healthy Youth for a Healthy Future Visit

Acting Surgeon General Promotes “Healthy Youth for a Healthy Future” in Los Angeles

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 Jan. 7 in Los Angeles, Calif. The initiative targets prevention of overweight and obesity, 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 Los Angeles, 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.

Rear Adm. Galson will present the Healthy Youth for a Healthy Future Champion Award to the Network for a Healthy California during an event with students at the Hobart Boulevard Elementary School. Lt. Andy Baldwin, a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy and also known for being the bachelor of the tenth season of the reality show “The Bachelor,”will be on hand to lead the students in exercise routines demonstrating how physical activity can be fun and rewarding.

The Network for a Healthy California is a state-wide movement that encourages Californians to increase their physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption. 11 Regional Networks that include over 160 funded local projects are reaching an estimated 2,900 school sites each year, with a focus on low-income African American and Latino populations. Thousands of students are learning healthy habits by using the Networks’ curricula including the Children’s Power Play! campaign.