Childhood Obesity - Run Miles to Decrease It

I wanted to ask for your assistance. My son, Dylan, is in 8th grade and doing a capstone project to raise awareness about and funds to decrease childhood obesity.

There is a free app called Run4Good by Saucony that donates money based on miles logged. He has a form to "pledge" miles to walk in December and a team on the app called "Team Dylan".  I wanted to ask you to join his cause by filling out the form and using the app while committing to walk or run a certain number of mile in December under Team Dylan.  It is great motivation to keep or get active during this holiday season and it is for a good cause.

If you would share this, too, I would really appreciate it. Thank you!!

The form can be found here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1A_kEYuQnHdoylfIL5ikAEBs6OMM72WrSgBN3IdAd194/viewform

Together we can make a difference!!  Also, by pledging miles, we are all getting more active and keeping ourselves healthier at the same time.  And for some us, this may lead to lowering the number of overweight and obese adults in the world :)

The following is taken directly from Saucony's Run For Good page (http://www.sauconyrunforgood.com/facts-about-childhood-obesity/).

CHILDHOOD OBESITY FACTS

• Government statistics show that over 30% of children and adolescents are obese or overweight. Almost 20% of children ages 6 to 11 and 18% of those 12 to 19 are considered obese.

• Obesity most commonly begins in childhood between the ages of 5 and 6, and during adolescence.

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that over the past three decades the childhood obesity rate has more than doubled for preschool children aged 2-5 years and adolescents aged 12-19 years. It has more than tripled for children aged 6-11 years.

• Studies have shown that a child who is obese between the ages of 10 and 13 has a 70 percent chance of becoming an obese adult. This increases to 80 percent if one or more parents are overweight or obese.

• Doctors agree that the two primary factors in creating obese children and teens are poor food choices and less exercise on a daily basis.

• Type 2 diabetes, previously considered an adult disease, has increased dramatically in children and adolescents. Overweight and obesity are closely linked to type 2 diabetes.

• Researchers have found that overweight children are at a greater risk of school absenteeism than their normal-weight peers.

• According to the CDC, children and adolescents should do 60 minutes or more of physical activity each day. Aerobic activity, such as brisk walking or running, should make up most of this daily activity.

• Doctors and other health care professionals are the best people to determine whether your child or adolescent’s weight is healthy.