Tagged: childhood obesity

Not too many years ago, when a child went to a dietician, it was because he or she was too thin. Now, dieticians say they are seeing more overweight, and even obese children. The Centers for Disease Control found in 2010 that 1 in 7 preschool age children is obese. With extra weight comes increased health risks, and to treat a problem, it’s better to catch it early. The Purchase Area Health Education Center is working with several counties in the region to find children who may be at risk for cardiovascular problems.

Today on NPR: The government began accepting applications Wednesday for "deferred action for childhood arrivals." The program allows qualified undocumented young people brought to the U.S. as children to study and work legally in the U.S. Many are applying, but the process is not without risk for some.

A study of more than 800 western Kentucky children shows 25 percent are obese, and another 18 percent are overweight. The national average of obese children is 17 percent. Murray State University nursing professor Dr. Dana Manley was part of a team of researchers who compiled the data, based on 2008 and 2009 cardiovascular fitness tests.