Childhood Obesity: A community issue
It was 7:30 a.m., and bus loads of children from Atlanta’s Boys and Girls Club, neighboring high schools and local churches had already gathered at Piedmont Park. A cool breeze wafted over the eastern side of the park. The sky was overcast. Grey clouds threatened to rain. The rhythmic sounds of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” vibrated through the park. Vendors and healthcare professionals had tables lined with pamphlets and various paraphernalia. Fulton County Sheriffs were on hand. On Sept. 29, 2012, the City of Atlanta celebrated the fourth anniversary of “Walk it off: Communities Fighting Childhood Obesity.” The event included a three-mile walk around the park and several performances from two local churches’ youth groups. The event was launched as a dream of President and CEO Diane Jenkins, of Community Life Concepts. The organization has programs geared towards youth mentoring and development through its after-school programs. Within this environment, Jenkins believes that she a...