Health

18 HEALTH • Spring 2016 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. children aged 6 to 11 who are classified obese increased from 7 percent in 1980 to 18 percent in 2012, while the rate of obe- sity in those aged 12 to 19 jumped from 5 to nearly 21 percent over the same period. Youth from lower-income households – inner- city areas, for example, or, at the other end of the spectrum, isolated rural areas – are at an even greater risk of becoming obese. "Poverty and obesity go hand-in-hand," said Kelsa Zereski, director of philanthropy for the Reliant Medical Group Foundation, which gifts annual grants to local organizations that dedicate resources to batting obesity. Community effort In 2015, Reliant provided $150,500 to 30 local charities, funding is made possible largely through two major fundraisers, a charity auction and golf classic in the spring and a 5K in the fall. "It is cheaper to order off the dollar menu at a Central Mass. organiza- tions promote nutrition and exercise \\ By Taryn Plumb A s the old adage goes, it takes a village to raise a child. Adopting that philosophy, numerous area organizations are pooling resources and joining forces to combat youth obesity, which affects more than a third of local children and teenagers. "The case against obesity has been made," said Jennifer Madson, associate director of programs at Girls, Inc. of Worcester, noting the increased risk of health problems in obese kids, such as diabetes and asthma, as well as impacts to mental health. "We are try- ing to find as creative and engaging ways as possible to address it. There's never enough that can be done." FIGHTING CHILDHOOD OBESITY An instructor at the YMCA coaches a Zumba class as part of the educational program to teach children proper diet and exercise. PHOTO/MATT VOLPINI

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