“Community Conversation” on Childhood Obesity

Rye Y’s Healthier Communities Coalition to Hold “Community Conversation” on Childhood Obesity

In March 2005, the National Institutes of Health issued a press release reporting on a new study which found that “unless steps are taken to curb excessive weight gain, younger Americans will likely face a greater risk of mortality throughout life than previous generations.”

Ten years after this shocking news, the Rye YMCA will convene a panel of experts to discuss the current state of childhood obesity. This discussion, which is free and open to the public, will be held on Tuesday, February 10 from 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. at the Rye Free Reading Room, 1061 Boston Post Road, Rye. It is part of a series of “Community Conversations” hosted by the Rye Y’s Healthier Sound Shore Coalition. Previous forums have focused on the critical issues facing today’s teens and hunger in Westchester County.

Panelists for the Community Conversation on childhood obesity include:

Carrie Aaron-Young- Assistant Commissioner of Health Promotion, Westchester County Department of Health
Dr. Madhu Mathur, MD, MPH- Lifestyle Medicine Center
Ellette Hirschorn, R.N., Director of Clinical Support Services and Programs, Open Door Family Medical Centers
Laura Tiedge – Senior Director of Healthy Living, Rye YMCA

Drawing on their own experience and knowledge of the issue, the panelists will address such questions as: “what is the state of childhood obesity? What are the lingering problems, and what are the bright spots? How can we as a community address the issue?” Audience members will have the opportunity to engage in a Q & A session with the panelists after brief presentations from each.

“The finding that kids may live shorter lives than their parents was a wake-up call for anyone who cares about children’s health,” remarked Laura Tiedge. “We know that there has been progress in the last decade. But there’s still a high prevalence of obesity, poor nutrition and physical inactivity in many communities. Through this forum, we hope to shed light on the problem and find ways to work together to ensure that today’s children lead long, healthy lives.”

Launched in 2005 as Activate America, the Healthier Sound Shore Coalition mobilizes the energy, talents and expertise of our communities to combat obesity, prevent chronic disease and promote healthy living. For more information: contact Denise Woodin at 967-6363, ext. 101 or denise@ryeymca.org.