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June 10, 2004 Contact: Jennifer Bacci
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An estimated 61 percent of Americans are classified as overweight or obese. Closer to home, over 1.4 million upstate New Yorkers are overweight and almost 860,000 are obese. A segment of the population that is becoming increasingly at risk is children.
"Today’s Family: Escaping the Fat Trap," a television program premiering June 15 on WROC News 8 Now at 8:00 p.m., will explore the growing national epidemic of childhood obesity. The program is co-produced by Hillside Family of Agencies and WROC News 8 Now and sponsored by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Rochester Region.
Hosted by WROC News 8 Now anchors Kevin Doran and Maureen McGuire, the program will feature interviews with local experts discussing the causes of obesity among children and its short- and long-term physical and psychological health consequences. It will also provide information on when and how to intervene if your child is overweight. In addition, local programs that can help parents and their children escape a lifelong struggle with obesity will be featured.
“Childhood obesity has reached epidemic levels in our community,” says Scott Ellsworth, regional president of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. “Overweight and obese children are at high risk for devastating health problems—including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.”
“Overweight children suffer serious emotional consequences, as well,” says Dennis Richardson, president and CEO of Hillside Family of Agencies. “They may be teased and isolated by their peers, resulting in low self-esteem and depression.”
“We hope your family will join us in making a commitment to a more healthy lifestyle, including good nutrition and regular exercise,” adds Marc Jaromin, vice president and general manager of WROC News 8 Now.
An on-line chat hosted at www.hillside.com will begin at 9 p.m. on June 15 immediately following the broadcast. The chat will allow viewers to engage in a dialogue with program guests and experts and offer questions and concerns directly. Panelists for the chat will include Stephen Cook, M.D. and Carolyn Taback, M.D., both pediatricians at the University of Rochester Medical Center.
"Escaping the Fat Trap" is the sixth program in the award-winning "Today's Family" series, developed to increase awareness and understanding about critical issues affecting New York State families. Past shows dealt with teen suicide, domestic abuse, youth substance abuse, stress, and sexuality among today’s youth.
Hillside Family of Agencies is a family and children services organization providing child welfare, mental health, youth development, developmental disabilities, juvenile justice, and special education services across Central and Western New York.
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