In this article by a staff member from the Austin American-Statesmen speaks about the health and fitness of the youth of our state. I believe this article was very well done, as it not only takes the percentage of over weight and obese children among third through fifth graders from University of Texas Elementary School, they also compare it to the nation rate as well. When seeing the percentage comparison between the University of Texas Elementary School percentage at 51 percent and the national rate at 32 percent, it is quite astounding to hear how much of our elementary children are considered over weight or obese. Not only do we receive raw data, we also get a quote from the Vice President for Diversity and Community Engagement Dr. Gregory J. Vincent. Now I've never known what it is to be over weight or obese, mainly because I've always been an active child and been able to keep my metabolism up, but not every individual is raised the same way as I was.
While working for the YMCA I have worked with my share of elementary children, ranging from kindergarten to fifth grade. I have noticed with the increase speed at which technology has advanced, especially mobile gaming devices kids have been more reluctant to participate in more physical challenging activities. The Healthy Families Initiative has created the WellNest program, which is a free after-school program and has been in effect for the past three years, and has been responsible for lowering the prevalence from 63 percent to 51 percent. After reading this article I am very pleased to hear that the state of Texas is providing funds to help aid children to live a healthier lifestyle at a very young age rather than later. This not only promotes a healthier lifestyle during their attendance at the University of Texas Elementary School, but also a healthier lifestyle in their futures.
