KNOW THE FACTS

• Alabama is currently ranked top three in the nation for having the highest prevalence rate of overweight and obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.
• Children with obesity are roughly 3 times more expensive for the health system than the average insured child.
• The national cost of childhood obesity is estimated at approximately 11 billion for children with private insurance and 3 billion for those with Medicaid. These figures do not include the growing number of uninsured families.
• Physical inactivity and poor diet together account for at least 300,000 deaths each year. Overweight and obesity increase the risk for heart disease, hypertension, stroke, type 2 diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol, gall bladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea and cancer (breast, prostate, endometrial and colon.)

THE GOOD NEWS

• Proper nutrition and physical activity are linked to academic achievement, self-esteem, mental health, and school attendance.
• Getting at least 30 minutes a day of physical activity in the Healthy Heart Zone [1] most days of the week can reduce the risk of coronary artery disease, stroke, or Type 2 diabetes by as much as 42%.

Healthy Heart Zone [1] The maximum benefits for disease preventive physical activity are achieved in the 60% -85% of ones maximum heart rate. Everyone should consult their physician before beginning any exercise program.