Health center hopes to lower childhood obesity rates

A new report says childhood obesity may be leveling off nationwide, but one Bronx health network says it doesn't see that trend locally. Boosting awareness among kids of food labels ? and their sometimes

News 12 Staff

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May 29, 2008, 3:38 PM

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Updated 6,050 days ago

A new report says childhood obesity may be leveling off nationwide, but one Bronx health network says it doesn't see that trend locally.

Boosting awareness among kids of food labels ? and their sometimes misleading information ? is one tool the Soundview Health Center is using to help children make better food choices.

While a bottle of the fruit-based Snapple drink may sound healthy, kids who have one are ?drinking a bottle of sugar ? more than a can of coke,? says Renata Shiloah, of the Soundview Health Center.

The health and fitness initiative focuses on kids younger than 10 and their parents. Nutritionists say healthy living is a group effort.

The health center is also urging children and parents to get moving. Experts say a combination of exercise and healthy eating is the key to keeping fitness levels up and obesity rates down.

Soundview Health Center Diet and Fitness - (718) 589-2232 x 239.