The 411 For July 2007

On Wednesday, June 27, 2007 the American Heart Association participated in a celebration at the state capitol in recognition of six middle-school children from Broward County .


With some serious habit changes and a little motivation from basketball star Shaquille O’Neal, the kids are on their way to a healthier lifestyle. It was all part of a weight-loss documentary series featured on ABC called Shaq’s Big Challenge.

“The American Heart Association is so pleased to be a part of this,” said Dave Josserand , AHA Chairman-Elect. “We support everyone who takes the necessary steps to living a heart-healthy life, and these kids have really outdone themselves.”

Today, about 25 million children are overweight or at risk for becoming overweight, nearly one out of every three kids. Overweight children can experience a host of health problems, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes and depression.

The worst news? If today’s generation keeps up their unhealthy habits, they will be the first in American history to not outlive their parents. To keep this from happening, the need for action is great, especially in Florida .

To combat the epidemic of childhood obesity, the American Heart Association and the William J. Clinton Foundation formed the Alliance for a Healthier Generation in 2005.


The goal of the Alliance is to stop the nationwide increase in childhood obesity by 2010 and to take bold, innovative steps to help all children live longer and healthier lives. To ensure that future generations won’t struggle with illnesses associated with poor food choices and lack of physical activity, the Alliance is taking preemptive measures against obesity focusing on four key initiatives: the Healthy Schools Program, Food and Beverage Industry Outreach, Healthcare Industry Outreach and Kids Movement.


For more information about the Alliance , please visit healthiergeneration.orgor igohugo.org.