Mississippi ranks #1 for having the highest obesity rate in the nation. As part of the Jones County Get Moving Initiative, Dr. Patricia Tibbs has taken a vested interest in working with our local community and school systems to help identify ways to help parents and their children become more active and live a healthier lifestyle. Part of Dr. Tibbs' initiative to improve children's health has been to encourage them to stay active by joining the Cardio Kids program at South Central's Wellness Center.

The Cardio Kids program is offered for kids ages 6-14 years old on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons from 3:30 until 4:30 p.m. A one time joining fee is $50 and a monthly fee of $40.

In the past four decades, obesity rates in the United States have soared among all age groups. This rise in obesity rates has affected our youth in alarming fashion. Childhood obesity has increased more than fourfold among those ages 6 to 11. Over 23 million children and teenagers in the United States ages 2 to 19 are obese or overweight, a statistic that health and medical experts consider an epidemic. And this epidemic puts nearly one third of America’s children at early risk for Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and even stroke – conditions usually associated with adulthood.

Parents interested in this program are encouraged to call the Wellness Center at 601.399.0530 for more information.

Author:Becky Bullock Collins

Category:Events

Tags:Pediatric Services