(Utica, NY, Feb. 10, 2013 There were over 300 attendees from local families that took part in the 13th annual Kids Walk presented by the American Heart Association and sponsored by GPO Federal Credit Union on Feb. 10. Not only were kids treated to a one-mile walk and family fun health expo, but one recipient, Kiara Haden from Utica walked – or rather rode – away with a new bike. Each child participant was entered for a chance to win a bicycle, compliments of Midstate CERT Team.
The American Heart Association also celebrated a poster contest, sponsored by Preferred Mutual Insurance Company, in area schools to showcase health and wellness. All of the first and second place winners had artwork displayed at the event along with those receiving honorable mentions. The winners of the 2013 Kids Walk Poster Contest were:
Grade 6
Nicholas Despins
New York Mills Elementary School, New York Mills
Grade 5
Alexandra Jones and Emily Cajic
Conkling Elementary School, Utica
Grade 4
Ajla Ademovic
Conkling Elementary School, Utica
Grade 3
Madison Short
Gansevoort Elementary School, Rome
Grade 2
Kiara Brielle Haden
Conkling Elementary School, Utica
Grade 1
Dino Dizdarevic
Columbus Magnet School, Utica
Kindergarten
Candice Pitoniak
Gansevoort Elementary School, Rome
“Childhood obesity is an epidemic facing our country and region today,” says event organizer Theresa Swider. “Families attending the Kids Walk are treated to a fun-filled afternoon of education and the importance of healthy eating and exercise through interactive booths and activities. The American Heart Association wants to partner with families to reduce risk factors that our community’s youth face due to inactivity and poor eating habits.”
Today, about one of three American kids and teens is overweight or obese, nearly triple the rate in 1963. Among children today, obesity is causing a broad range of health problems that previously weren’t seen until adulthood. These include high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and elevated blood cholesterol levels. There are also psychological effects. Obese children are more prone to low self-esteem, negative body image and depression.
However, there is good news: Obesity can be stopped. And it doesn’t take high-tech treatments or cutting-edge medications. The solution begins and ends with the daily decisions we make.