Governor Mark Gordon is announcing a new campaign to help combat childhood obesity and mental illness.
Dubbed the DON’T QUIT! program, Governor Gordon says, “The health and well-being of Wyomingites is a priority of my administration, and I welcome this opportunity to provide a healthier future for our children. Last fall the Governor’s Mental Health Summit and a new website offering resources are part of our ongoing work towards developing solutions to improve mental health. I’m excited for Wyoming to take part in this campaign, and I encourage every elementary and middle school in the state to submit a video on how you make fitness a priority.”
To help kick of the initiative, the Governor has enlisted the help of exercise guru and fitness icon Jake “Body by Jake” Steinfeld, Chairman of the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils (NFGFC), has started the campaign by selecting the State of Wyoming for its 2023 DON’T QUIT! Campaign.
Childhood obesity is a serious problem in the United States, putting children and adolescents at risk for poor health, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Even though there are things like recess, gym and other outlets for children to exercise and be active, obesity prevalence among kids and adolescents is still too high.
For children and adolescents aged 2-19 years in 2017-2020:
- The prevalence of obesity was 19.7% and affected about 14.7 million children and adolescents.
- Obesity prevalence was 12.7% among 2- to 5-year-olds, 20.7% among 6- to 11-year-olds, and 22.2% among 12- to 19-year-olds.
- Obesity prevalence was 26.2% among Hispanic children, 24.8% among non-Hispanic Black children, 16.6% among non-Hispanic White children, and 9.0% among non-Hispanic Asian children.
- Obesity-related conditions include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, breathing problems such as asthma and sleep apnea, and joint problems.
Jake “Body by Jake” Steinfeld is involved because of his commitment message about physical and mental health that he’s preached for over 40 years. “I’ve led the charge regarding the importance of physical activity as a way to combat childhood obesity,” says Steinfeld. “Exercise has also been proven to provide a positive effect on a child’s mental health as well. Our kids are the most precious resource and by providing them with a strong foundation in health and fitness, we will be helping them excel beyond their wildest dreams,” added Steinfeld.
The NFGFC will have gifted fitness centers to all 50 states within the next few years and each fitness center is financed through public and private partnerships. The foundation doesn’t rely on taxpayer dollars or state funding. The goal of the foundation is “to build a nation of the fittest, healthiest kids in the world.”
Physical activity like exercise has been medically proven to help prevent and treat more than 40 chronic diseases, enhance individual health and quality of life, and reduce health care costs. In schools, studies have found that physical activity improves academic achievement, increases confidence and self-esteem, reduces discipline problems, cuts absenteeism, and helps foster better relationship between children.
For more information about the NFGFC or to download an application, visit here.
