Childhood obesity is one of the most pressing health issues adolescences face today. This current crisis effects more than 23 percent of children and teenagers in the United States and is considered an epidemic. However, this September is bringing a new attention to this issue with National Childhood Obesity Awareness month.

On September 1, 2010 President Obama declared September as National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. This month is used to encourage Americans to pursue a healthier lifestyles such as eating nutritional and exercising daily.

Within the last three decades the childhood obesity rates have doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents.  These alarming statistics are what prompted more people to take part in the effort.

Although childhood obesity has proven to be a growing problem there have been more public initiatives to reverse the epidemic. One of the more popular initiatives is the “Let’s Move” Campaign, a program developed by First Lady Obama. “Let’s move” has been one of the leading programs in promoting parents and child to try to prevent childhood obesity.

There are also personal ways to prevent childhood obesity.  Eating nutritional food is one of them. It’s recommended that everyone have a balanced diet that consist of eating fruits and vegetables daily. Health experts advise everyone to check food labels before eating. Eating meals regularly is also advised.

Physical activity is another vital part of a healthy lifestyle. It’s recommended that teenagers and children participate in 60 minutes of physical activity a day. Exercise along with nutritional eating reduce the risk for diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

These are several ways for not only children but everyone to become healthier.    Even though September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness month, improving your health can be done any month of the year.