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Childhood obesity is a serious and growing epidemic in this state. Currently, one in five children are overweight or at risk of being overweight and the number is rising. Obese/overweight children become sick more often, perform more poorly in school, are at a heightened risk for a number of diseases and conditions, and are increasingly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and increased blood cholesterol.

Prevention efforts must begin early. It is crucial to address the increasingly unhealthy, sedentary lifestyle of children by educating parents and caregivers about basic nutrition and physical activity needs.

First 5 Sacramento is investing in several areas to help change habits and norms that will improve nutrition and physical activity in young children.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), breastfeeding helps prevent infectious diseases in infants such as ear infections, diarrhea, urinary tract problems and even asthma. Breastfeeding promotes the best possible health as well as positive developmental and psychosocial outcomes for the infant. The AAP recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months, then continued breastfeeding for up to at least a year with gradual introduction of solids. First 5 Sacramento is providing funding to assist with breastfeeding support services. These services provide mothers with the knowledge and tools to initiate and continue breastfeeding.

In addition, First 5 Sacramento is providing funding to local hospitals to help them move towards becoming “Baby Friendly.” It is important to target hospitals because they play a crucial role in providing breastfeeding support before and after delivery. A Baby Friendly hospital follows the Model Hospital Recommendations and would encourage breastfeeding, provide instruction and support to mothers who would like to breastfeed their babies and allow mothers and infants to room together 24 hours a day.

• Total Funding: $4,474,752  for FY 2010-2015 
• First 5 Sacramento Staff Contact: Linda Fong-Somera, (916) 876-7386
  

Understanding the growing obesity epidemic facing young children, the First 5 Sacramento Commission has made Improve Nutrition a top priority since 2007 by focusing on the following areas to combat this life threatening epidemic:

• Create communities where families with young children have access to affordable and healthy foods and indoor and outdoor spaces where children can safely explore and be active.
• Educate parents, caregivers and providers about healthy nutrition.

As a result, First 5 Sacramento is currently funding programs around nutrition and physical activity and has also funded the construction of indoor and outdoor tot lots.

• Total Funding: $463,329  for FY 2010-2015 
• First 5 Sacramento Staff Contact: Linda Fong-Somera, (916) 876-7386

It is recommended that toddlers get 30 minutes of planned physical activity and 60 minutes of unplanned physical activity (free play), while preschoolers should get 60 minutes of planned physical activity and 60 minutes of unstructured physical activity a day (National Association for Sport and Physical Education). Tot lots can provide a safe and age appropriate way for young children to explore and engage in physical activity. First 5 Sacramento has provided funding for Tot Lots throughout the County.

Please see the the updated Tot Lot Map for Sacramento County.

• Total Funding: $700,000 for FY 2010-2015 
• First 5 Sacramento Staff Contact: Roger Resnikoff, (916) 876-7388 

Learn about the First 5 Sacramento community partners who provide programs and services to improve nutrition and physical activity in young children.