The number of children who are overweight or obese in Iowa has been swelling for decades, but a month-long event starting Tuesday aims to gain some traction in reversing that trend. The “Life is Why” Family Health Challenge is broken down into four themed weeks.

Kassi Wessing, communications director for American Heart Association in Iowa, says the first component is focused on the foods people buy at the grocery store and is called My Cart is Why. “We hear so often that ‘Oh, I can’t eat healthier because it’s expensive,'” she relates. “And so the families that sign up for this challenge are going to be given tools and resources to put more fruits and vegetables into that cart without breaking the budget.”

The other three weeks will focus on reducing the consumption of soft and other sugary drinks, reducing the amount of sodium in the diet and increasing the amount of physical activity. Currently, around 30 percent of children in Iowa are considered overweight or obese. While the road to better physical health and weight loss can be daunting for some, Wessing says that the suggested activities are things that families can easily do together at home.

“That dinner table is so important to families for that time together and for that bonding and for those healthy meals,” she explains. “And then also bringing them together to do these activities and to have fun together and to get out and get active together.”

Those wanting to take part in the “Life is Why” Family Health Challenge can find all the details online at the American Heart Association Facebook page.

(Iowa News Service)