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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Contact: OPHS Press Office
(202) 205-0143

Acting U.S. Surgeon General Rear Adm. 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 May 20- 21 in Oakland and Sacramento, Calif. 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" 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 Oakland and Sacramento, and meet first-hand with those actively engaged in finding ways to prevent childhood overweight and obesity," said Dr. Galson.

In Oakland, Dr. Galson will meet with officials and members of the Native American Health Center to present them with the Surgeon General's "Healthy Youth for a Healthy Future" Champion Award in recognition of their Tribal Athletics Program. The program is designed illustrate the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle that reduces the incidence diabetes, obesity, and other health risks.

In Sacramento, Dr. Galson 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. According to data from the California Department of Health's 2006 Obesity Prevention Plan, 22 percent of California children and teens are overweight.

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

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Last revised: March 05, 2010