| GREETINGS:
It gives me great pleasure to congratulate the Pennsylvania Medical Society Alliance on your outstanding effort to encourage county medical society alliances across the commonwealth to present programs to educate children, their parents, and caregivers on the values of healthy eating, physical activity, and the need to make healthy choices.
The number of overweight children, ages 6 to 11, has more than doubled in the past two decades, going from 7% in 1980 to 16% in 2002. The rate among adolescents, ages 12 to 19, has more than tripled, increasing from 5% to 16% during the same time period.
Being overweight is the result of caloric imbalance, too few calories expended for the amount of calories consumed, and is mediated by genetics and health. In addition, children who are overweight are at greater risk for bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems, such as stigmatization and poor self-esteem. Overweight young people are more likely to become obese adults who are more at risk for associated adult health problems, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, several types of cancer, and osteoarthritis.
On behalf of all Pennsylvanians, I applaud the Pennsylvania Medical Society Alliance for their efforts to educate both our children and adults. I encourage all citizens to actively participate in local community efforts to ensure better health for the children of our commonwealth. Healthy lifestyle habits can lower the risk of becoming overweight and developing related diseases. Physical activity reduces coronary heart disease, hypertension, colon cancer, diabetes mellitus, and the risk of premature mortality in general.
EDWARD G. RENDELL
Governor
April 2006
|