Discovery Familia Supports President’s Challenge
Discovery Familia says it will join forces with The President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition (PCFSN) through their President’s Challenge program to become a leading advocate among Hispanics for the “Million PALA Challenge.”
The goal of the “Million PALA Challenge,” which was launched last September by PCFSN and the First Lady’s Let’s Move! Initiative to fight childhood obesity, is to motivate at least one million Americans to earn their Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA) by this September.
[ Also Read: Discovery Familia to Woo Hispanic Moms ]The award is for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities who want to jumpstart or maintain a healthy lifestyle. To earn a PALA, youth ages 6-17 must participate in moderate to vigorous physical activity for 60 minutes (30 minutes for adults) at least five days a week for six weeks.
Upon completion, participants can earn a certificate of recognition signed by President Barack Obama.
[ Also Read: See, Latinos Living the American Dream ]“We are thrilled to partner with Discovery Familia to promote the Million PALA Challenge within the Hispanic community,” said Shellie Pfohl, executive director of PCFSN. “It is critical to the future of our nation that all Americans find ways to be active with their families so that we can raise a healthier generation of kids.”
Today in America, nearly one-third of youth are either overweight or obese. The national obesity epidemic is also a point of concern for Hispanics in the U.S. This is supported by data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and a recent study conducted by the network that looks into the issue in terms of mothers and children.
[ Also Read: How Moms Help their Kids in Sports ]Below are some facts:
Hispanic adults have the second highest rate of obesity at 27.8% (behind non-Hispanic blacks). In terms of gender, Hispanic women have a higher rate of obesity than men (29.4% vs. 27.8%). Yet, according to the Discovery Familia study, Hispanic moms still consider themselves healthy, despite having limited information on health and nutrition.
Obesity prevalence among pre-school aged children (2-4 years old) ranks high among Hispanic children at 18.5%.
However, statements by Hispanic moms regarding their child’s weight in the recent Discovery Familia study reveal a disconnect between their perception and the child’s actual Body Mass Index (BMI).
Discovery Familia has introduced a new series during its Discovery Kids block, “Bo on the Go” that aims to instill a love for exercise in children.
Discovery Familia is a Spanish language network dedicated to Hispanic moms.
