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Child obesity rate in Colorado skyrockets
Posted: 09.23.2011 at 10:03 PM
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The Urban Farm is just part of HUG: Harrison Urban Gardens, giving food to the community.  / FOX21: Aly Myles
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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Colorado may have the leanest adults, according to the Health Foundation's report, but the state's kids aren't so healthy.

"Going from 3rd to 23rd is drastic," Mina Liebert, director of LiveWell Colorado, said. "It's only been a few years."

Four years, to be exact, and to make matters worse, is the second fastest growing rate in the country.

"As far as the childhood obesity epidemic we're in right now, I think it's really two fronts to blame," Rick Hughes, Director of Food & Nutrition Services for Colorado Springs School District 11, said. "One, that physical activity has gone way down. There's so much more inside, inactive activities as far as playing video games. Then I think what we're putting into our bodies is a contributor as far as what we're eating and the diet that we're choosing: high in fat, high in sodium, high in sugar."

Local organizations like LiveWell Colorado, YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region, Pikes Peak Urban Gardens, and the D11 school district are trying to make a change to kids' eating habits. One of those changes is through HUG: Harrison Urban Gardens. Different plots are bought, sponsored or given as a scholarship to grow fresh food.

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Local organizations like LiveWell Colorado, YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region, Pikes Peak Urban Gardens, and the D11 school district are trying to make a change to kids' eating habits. One of those changes is through HUG: Harrison Urban Gardens. Different plots are bought, sponsored or given as a scholarship to grow fresh food.

Liebert said in just one week, just part of one garden can produce 100 pounds of food to be given to Care and Share food banks. It's also teaching kids at the same time.

"One of the ways community gardens can actually help reduce the impact of things like food deserts, where there isn't access to fresh fruits and vegetables, is having something local and educating children where food comes from," Liebert said. "Kids are actually more likely to consume it, so eating the foods you're growing and showing where it comes from actually makes kids realize food doesn't always just come from a grocery store.

Liebert also suggests leading by example for parents.

"Having dinner with your family at least three times a week can reduce the rate of obesity by over 12 percent, so that's one of the biggest things," she said. "Also, advocate for healthier foods in the cafeterias, and get physical activity."

In the future, Liebert said LiveWell plans to make a greenhouse at HUG so food can be grown year round and teach students at the same time.
 

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