In 2003 it was found that 24 percent of children in Chicago were overweight or obese at kindergarten entry. A major factor in childhood obesity is that children often don't understand the importance of eating healthy and exercising.
It is felt that a positive way to get the message across is the "5-4-3-2-1" message.
Five servings of fruits and vegetables, four glasses of water, three low-fat dairy products, two hours or less of screen time (TV, computer and video games) and one hour or more of exercise daily.
By Adam Becker