Office of Public Relations

Pomona, NJ 08240

 

Childrens Health Summit: Fighting Back Against Childhood Obesity

 

Stockton-Rutgers Cooperative Research & Extension Partnership Event Set For March 15

For Immediate Release

Friday, March 04, 2005

Contact: Tim Kelly

Stockton Public Relations

(609) 652-4950

 

GALLOWAY TWP., NJ Richard Stockton College Professional Development and Continuing Education Division, in partnership with the Family and Community Health Sciences (FCHS) and the AtlantiCare Foundation, will present a Childrens Health Summit at Stockton, focusing on the understanding, prevention and treatment of childhood obesity.

 

The Summit will take place in the Alton Auditorium (formerly A-Wing Lecture Hall) on March 15, 2005, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

 

Todays children face serious adult health problems, from being overweightfrom diabetes to high blood pressure to high cholesterol, said Barry Keefe, one of the conference organizers. Overweight children suffer emotionally as well, facing increased risks of suicide and depression, bullying and low self-esteem.

 

The conference will feature speakers from Rutgers University and AtlantiCare Medical Center who will discuss the issues, present the latest research and offer solutions. Parents, teachers, coaches, health care providers, counselors and all caring adults who work with children will want to attend this important conference. Local professionals will also be on hand to discuss community resources available to help people in need.

 

Workshops at the event will include: staying healthy in a super-size world, strategies for successful weight management, finding workable family solutions for addressing the emotional issues of overweight children, understanding the link between health and student achievement,and exploring the physical, cognitive and emotional benefits of exercise.

 

Partner organizations who will be participating include Rutgers University, New Jersey Department of Education, New Jersey Department of Agriculture, American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, National Extension Association of Family and the Atlantic and Cape May County Boards of Agriculture.

 

Cost is $45 and includes continental breakfast and light lunch. Continuing education credits will be available. Registration is available on line www.pdce.net then click on Health Services and Human Services, then Workshop and Conference Calendar. Individuals may also register by check at the door.

 

For more information, contact Marilou Rochford, (609) 465-5115, ext. 609 or 611, or Keefe at (609) 626-6084.