National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

Proclamation

By the Governor of Alabama

WHEREAS, the state of Alabama has the third highest rate of obesity among high school students; and

WHEREAS, overweight and obese children are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease and other chronic diet-related health problems, such as heart disease, type-2 diabetes, stroke, several types of cancer and osteoarthritis; and

WHEREAS, medical costs to treat children who are obese are three times higher than for children who are not obese; and

WHEREAS, obese children are more likely to become obese adults, and it is predicted that this will be the first generation of children in American history to have a shorter lifespan than their parents; and

WHEREAS, living closer to healthy food options is associated with better eating habits and a decreased risk for obesity and diet-related diseases; and

WHEREAS, 1.8 million Alabamians, including nearly one million children, live in communities that lack access to fresh, healthy food options; and

WHEREAS, with the Healthy Food Financing Program, VOICES for Alabama’s Children partnered with more than 100 health, business organizations and leaders, as well as the Alabama Legislature to increase access to healthy food options in communities; and

WHEREAS, increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables in communities can improve health outcomes and lessen obesity amongst Alabama’s children:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim the month of September 2016, as

National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

in the State of Alabama.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 28th day of September 2016.

Robert Bentley

Governor