Extension Report

Baldwin County Extension Office

302A Byrne Street

Bay Minette, AL  36507

Telephone (251) 937-7176 or

928-0860/943-5061 ext. 2222

FAX (251) 937-7285

Cynthia G. Knowlton

Regional Extension Agent/4-H

March 29, 2011

America’s Healthy Living for Youth

Research indicates that obesity and the problems associated with childhood obesity have reached epidemic proportions. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the increase in childhood obesity represents an “unprecedented burden” on children’s health.

Today 25 million children aged 17 and under are considered obese or overweight - a number that contributes to an estimated 100 billion dollars of healthcare expenditures in America.

The Mission of the 4-H Healthy Living Program is to engage youth and families through access and opportunities to achieve optimal physical, social, and emotional well-being, defined as “the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy”.  This includes avoiding risky behavior, forming and maintaining satisfying relationships, and being able to handle normal  levels of stress.

By utilizing research-based information and practices, the mission helps create supportive communities that provide access and opportunities through the acquisition of knowledge, skills, positive attitude, development of positive relationships, and engagement in behaviors that enable them to thrive.

For more than 100 years, 4-H has been a leader in addressing America’s relevant food and nutrition challenges.  Today, the 4-H Healthy Living Program reaches approximately 2.5 million youth in 50 states. Having the capacity to mobilize young people and implement sustainable strategies will create healthy lifestyles for America’s families.

Over the next five years, the 4-H Healthy Living Program will strategically address America’s critical health. This program will include:

• Reaching 500,000 new youth and families through “Youth Voice, Youth Action: A National   Conversation on Healthy Living.”
• Engaging 3 million youth in local 4-H healthy living programs.
• Improving nutrition and physical activity of program participants.
• Reaching minorities and their families with relevant programs.
• Developing statewide healthy living strategies.
• Engaging youth to become healthy living advocates.

These experiences are supported by more than a half million dedicated faculty staff and adult volunteers that are placing 4-H youth on a path towards living  a healthy life.  Support

4-H and help maintain America’s leadership in healthy living.  Together, we can shape the next generation of healthy youth. For more information about Baldwin County 4-H, contact Cynthia Knowlton at 251/937-7176 or e-mail at .

Email address: cknowlto@aces.edu

Phone number: 937-7176 or 943-5061, 928-0860, ext. 2222

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities) in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity educator and employer.