Obesity is both simple and complex!  Simple, because exercising more and eating less can have a huge impact.  Complex because numerous studies document several contributing factors.

So, what can we do about the obesity epidemic among Mississippi's children?   

Some progress can be made by combining old-fashioned common sense with solutions that PHD's have validated through scientific studies. 

For starters, children are less likely to be obese if they:

• Eat a healthy breakfast
• Get sufficient rest
• Spend less time looking at screens and sitting on couches
• Have FUN activities that get them moving
• Have good role models - parents, teachers, pastors,    and others who influence them 
• Eat MORE fruit and vegetables and LESS fast food.

Here are some simple ways to  EAT SMART, MOVE MORE, and SAVE MONEY

• Eat a medium apple instead of four cookies and save 80 calories.
• Eat ¼ cup of dried apricots instead of a 2 ounce bag of pork rinds and save 230 calories.
• Cut your meat portions in half and add more vegetables to save 200+ calories.
• Avoid foods loaded with sugar such as pies, candy bars, ice cream, fruit drinks.
• Drink water instead of soda.
• Substitute 1% milk for whole milk.
• Use Canola oil in place of solid shortening.
• Substitute plain yogurt for sour cream. 

 MOVE MORE

Walking just 30 minutes per day will help your body burn calories and fat better.

Check out Let's go Walking Mississippi for a free pedometer and lots of tips to get you moving.   www.letsgowalkinms.com

SAVE MONEY

YES, healthy shopping can actually save you money!

Parents, find out who serves on your child's School Wellness Council and support and encourage their efforts to ensure good nutrition for your children during the school day!

Health Ministry network groups in Desoto and Marshall Counties have been formed to share best practices, new ideas, and resources to help them serve their congregations better.  The groups plan to meet quarterly and to stay in touch regularly via email.  To get involved or obtain more information, contact Judy or Janaye at the Get A Life! office 662-298-0027.   New members are WELCOME!

To promote the establishment of Health Ministries among United Methodist churches, Get A Life! is developing a pilot project with the Senatobia District of UMC.  In February, more than 40 pastors were present for a discussion with Get a Life! staff about the formation of Health Ministries in their congregations.

Michael Minor, pastor of Oak Hill Baptist Church, is partnering with Get A Life! to promote the spread of faith based Health Ministries throughout the Delta among various denominations.

If your church already has an active Health Ministry, we would love to know what has worked well for you!

Our office has some helpful tools for any congregation interested in knowing more!  Call us at 662-298-0027 or email judy@kidsgetalife.org for information. 

Get A Life! staff and administrators from I.C.S. Head Start are working to bring "I AM MOVING, I AM LEARNING" to 20 Head Start sites throughout the Delta to enhance current efforts that promote physical activity and good nutrition to three and four year olds.  Among the exciting components under consideration by Head Start Director, Dr. Mary Cathey and Get A Life! staff is a Community Garden Project at the Holly Springs Head Start complex to produce fresh vegetables and engage youngsters in learning to use our rich Mississippi soil to their advantage!