Brian Russell NFL: September Is Month To Tackle Childhood Obesity

As children head back to school this fall, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced September as National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Brian Russell, NFL player, supports these efforts and hopes children will become more h

New York, New York (I-Newswire) September 18, 2012 - According to a recent article from RedOrbit, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has dubbed September as National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. In the article, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius explains the motivation behind the campaign, “September marks the start of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, a time for us to encourage America’s children to develop healthy habits that can last a lifetime. All kids deserve to experience the positive health benefits of daily physical activity and healthy eating, and have those opportunities available to them.” Brian Russell, NFL star, shares similar sentiments and hopes that this month will encourage parents, educators, caretakers and American youth to embrace healthy lifestyles that involve balanced nutrition and routine exercise.

As former member of the NFL, Brian Russell understands that physical activity is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. However, in recent years America has become increasingly overweight. According to the article, in 2010 the CDC reported that “about 17 percent of children and adolescents between the ages of two and 19 years of ages were diagnosed as obese.” While obesity may go unattended in young children, the article notes that many overweight children do not lose the weight as they grow older and face higher risks of developing medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

The article notes that this campaign is designed to encourage parents and caretakers to embrace healthier lifestyles and minimize sedentary activity within their families; the focus remains on adults as they are believed to be the main influence on children within the specific age group. Brian Russell comments, “The more we can do to keep kids active the better. Creating healthy habits early is critical to long term health.”

Although many public schools have embraced healthier school lunches as part of a national campaign, Brian Russell also encourages children to take part in physical activities in addition to following an improved diet. He notes that older overweight youth should also embrace ways to change their lifestyles. He explains that those who struggle with weight and are approaching adolescence have a unique opportunity to join organized sports teams at schools. Brian Russell, NFL athlete, explains that joining such teams can help individuals embrace health, reduce stress and develop healthy social lives.

ABOUT:

Brian Russell is a former NFL professional football player who played for the Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, Seattle Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars and the Houston Texans. In 2003, he and Tony Parrish tied for the league lead in interceptions with nine. Brian Russell, NFL athlete, is best known for his advocacy of education and healthy living. He is a proud spokesperson of the RT Autism Awareness Foundation – a group that aims to help further autism research and support for affected families.