 The Need:
Obesity is now the most chronic health problem among U.S. children -- American Academy of Pediatrics A significant and rising percentage of children in Indiana are overweight or at risk of becoming overweight, leading to a host of potential health problems, such as heart disease, hypertension and diabetes -- Youth Risk Behavior Survey, Indiana State Department of Health
"Overweight children and adolescents report negative assumptions made about them by others, including being inactive or lazy, being strong and tougher than others, not having feelings, and being unclean" -- American Obesity Association
What We're Doing About It:
Pacers Foundation supports the efforts of Indiana groups that help
- Overweight and obese youth and/or those who are at serious risk of becoming overweight to make healthier choices with respect to diet and exercise;
- Overweight and/or obese youth cope with the psychosocial effects of, and the stigma associated with, being overweight or obese; and
- Educate schools and families about the root causes of obesity and the importance of nutrition and exercise in preventing and fighting obesity.
As such, school-based programs, health centers (including mental health programs focused on the psychosocial effects of childhood obesity), organizations focused on fighting and/or treating obesity, and groups focused on educating others about obesity should consider applying. This does not mean, however, that we will not fund other types of organizations focused on youth obesity. The bulleted points above simply refer to our priorities in this area.
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