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Child obesity called an epidemic

State health chief discusses youths’ growing problems  at Hamilton center.

Caleb Snader, 7, of Hamilton wins raisins as a prize in a game during a health fair held at Ernst J. Bever Center in Hamilton as part of the National Community Health Center Week.

Staff photo by Samantha Grier Caleb Snader, 7, of Hamilton wins raisins as a prize in a game during a health fair held at Ernst J. Bever Center in Hamilton as part of the National Community Health Center Week.

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By Tiffany Y. Latta, Staff Writer Updated 9:49 AM Monday, August 17, 2009

HAMILTON — Childhood obesity has become an epidemic in Ohio and may cause youth to become the first generation to have a shorter life span than their parents, the state health department director said.

“I don’t think people realize this is an epidemic,” said Dr. Alvin D. Jackson.

“We need to have the same type of alarm for this disease (as there is for swine flu) because it’s going to have a major impact on our children’s lives and is going to cost us billions.”

Jackson spoke Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Ernst J. Bever Center, 210 S. Second St. in Hamilton as part of National Community Health Center Week. He was joined at the health fair by Butler County Community Health Consortium officials and Mayor Don Ryan, who said the centers are key to battling chronic health issues and providing care to the underinsured and uninsured.

“Community health centers are critically important to the citizens of this county and surrounding areas. They’re much needed (because of the economic downturn and rising unemployment),’’ Ryan said.

Statistics show 500,000, or one in three, youngsters in Ohio are overweight or obese, Jackson said. And obesity now accounts for 50 percent of the new childhood diabetes cases, up from 2 percent two years ago, he said.

“High blood pressure, high cholesterol, joint problems, conditions we used to associate with adults we are now seeing in children more and more,” he said.

The health department along with Gov. Ted Strickland’s office has designed an obesity prevention plan, but Jackson said the work begins at home.

Ways to reduce childhood obesity

Breast-feed babies: Breast-fed babies have fewer health issues, including obesity later in life.

Eat breakfast: Eliminating hunger in youth decreases academic and behavioral problems at school.

Eat whole grains: Brown rice, wheat bread

Eat fresh, frozen or dried fruit and vegetables

Drink low-fat milk after age 2

Increase physical activity

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