Tricare takes aim at childhood obesity

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FALLS CHURCH, Va. --  October is Children's Health Month and Tricare has launched a new Web page at www.tricare.mil/getfit to promote a healthy lifestyle partnership aimed at military families, including those stationed at Mountain Home Air Force Base. The new page serves as campaign "headquarters." 

The target? Childhood obesity.

Tricare is partnering with the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA), Military OneSource and the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) to raise awareness of childhood overweight and obesity issues. The "Healthy Youth for a Healthy Future" initiative was launched by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Traditionally the first Monday in October, Children's Health Month included National Child Health Day which was Oct. 6. This year's focus is on childhood obesity.

According to the U.S. Surgeon General, obese children are more likely than children of normal weight to become overweight or obese adults. Overweight or obese adults are more at risk for several health problems, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, several types of cancer and osteoarthritis.

The "Healthy Youth for a Healthy Future" campaign supports the Surgeon General's efforts to encourage children to stay active, have healthy eating habits and make healthy choices.

The campaign is geared toward ongoing efforts to raise awareness of childhood obesity and encourage children to eat right and exercise, and information about those efforts is available on the new page. From articles and video messages, to links, games and "widgets," there is something for users of all ages at www.tricare.mil/getfit.

Partner initiatives include a special childhood obesity "Dietitian's Voice" column at www.commissaries.com. Military families can also get additional information on losing weight, getting in shape and maintaining good health at the DeCA Web site, including advice-packed columns, recipes and an open question and answer forum.

AAFES is also encouraging healthy food choices in its food courts and plans to keep the effort going in November through special coupon offers in shopper circulars.

Resources to better educate and assist parents in the battle against obesity are available onwww.militaryonesource.com. Also visit www.surgeongeneral.gov/obesityprevention/ to get information and "Take the Pledge" to help prevent childhood obesity. For more on Child Health Day visit mchb.hrsa.gov/childhealthday/.