The Links, Incorporated and the American Heart Association (AHA) have formed a relationship to educate the African American community about childhood obesity, one of the most serious public health threats facing our nation. Through the efforts of its 75 chapters in seven states and more than 2,500 members, the Southern Area of The Links, Inc. recently announced plans to promote education and awareness, particularly among children.
The two organizations will educate the communities where Links’ chapters are located about factors that contribute to obesity, implement programs that promote healthy lifestyles and support key legislations/policies. The AHA will provide resources, including an educational compact disc developed for this partnership. Links’ chapters will work collaboratively with their respective AHA staff partners.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), childhood obesity is a public health epidemic and poses one of the most urgent threats to the health and well-being of children and their families. Over the past few decades, the obesity rates have spiraled. Today, one of every ten school children in the world is overweight and an estimated 18 million children under the age of five are classified as overweight and the rate of Type II diabetes in children is increasing. Childhood obesity and diabetes can translate to the early onset of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) that can lead to heart attack and stroke. In addition, children with obesity problems are at heightened risk for a number of other chronic adult conditions, such as hypertension, high cholesterol, asthma and respiratory problems.
“Overweight and obese children become sick more often, may perform poorly in school and experience depression, lack of self-confidence and low self-esteem,” says Mary F. Currie, director of the Southern Area. “The Links, Incorporated recognizes the need to address this issue, which disproportionately affects children of African ancestry, particularly in the South.”
Kellie Kirk, Senior Director, Cause Initiatives for the American Heart Association’s Mid-Atlantic Affiliate; Mary F. Currie, Southern Area Director of The Links, Inc.; and Dr. Monica W. Parker, Chair, Health Linkage of the Southern Area of The Links, Inc. compare notes about the childhood obesity initiative during the South Carolina cluster meeting held in Greenville in mid-March
All chapters in the Southern Area launched the childhood obesity initiative this year. “African Americans are the leading demographic of affected patients in thirteen of fifteen deadly diseases directly related to obesity, says Dr. Delores Bolden Stamps, chairperson of the Southern Area’s Program Committee. “Our mission is to reverse this alarming trend.”
Visit www.healthiergeneration.org for information about childhood obesity, including a toolkit for middle and high school students who want to make changes in their school’s snack and/or beverage choices, or call 1-888-KID-HLTH for Healthy Schools Inquires.
The Links, Incorporated , founded in 1946, is one of the oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of women who are committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry. The Links, Incorporated has a membership of nearly 12,000 professional women of color serving in 273 chapters in the United States , Germany , South Africa and the Bahamas . Through its philanthropic arm, The Links Foundation, Incorporated, the organization has contributed more than $22 million dollars to charitable causes since its founding. In 2006-2007, members contributed more than 500,000 hours of service to assist communities in the United States , Germany , South Africa and the Bahamas . Washington , DC is the site of the national headquarters. Visit www.linksinc.org to learn more about The Links, Incorporated.