Healthy Weight For Healthy Kids

Overweight and obesity increase the risk for several health conditions as well as chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. In Virginia alone, these two diseases account for over $4 billion in health care costs. According to Virginia Department of Health 2006 profile of Bedford County, there were 553 total deaths, 141 deaths were caused by heart disease.

The Central Virginia rate for overweight youth is above the national average.  Cooperative Extension has a planned program to address this growing issue. Healthy Weight for Healthy Kids (HWHK) is a research-based program developed and tested by VCE and Virginia Tech to address proper nutrition, physical activity, healthy attitudes and behaviors towards diet and body image among youth ages 7 to 14.

The Bedford Extension Office works with localities to train in this curriculum those educators and community volunteers who teach children.  

FCS/4-H agents from Bedford County will partner for the next three years with the Bedford County Public School System and the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant to offer “Healthy Weight for Healthy Kids” for after-school programs.