On February 11, Leadership for Healthy Communities Director Maya Rockeymoore, Ph.D., discussed the First Lady's new initiative, Let's Move, and other strategies to address childhood obesity as a guest on NPR's Diane Rehm Show. The segment, entitled "Taking on Childhood Obesity," aired live on Washington, D.C.'s WAMU 88.5. On the show, Dr. Rockeymoore noted that obesity costs our nation an unsustainable $147 billion per year. She explained that many children, especially those in racial and ethnic minority communities, don't get enough physical activity or have healthy food in schools or have access to supermarkets and safe places to play in their neighborhoods. According to Dr. Rockeymoore, "We're raising the first generation who may live sicker and shorter lives than their parents as a result of the epidemic of overweight and obesity."

Other guests on the show included Margo Wootan, director of nutrition policy at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, and Paul Campos, professor at the University of Colorado School of Law. 

On February 9, First Lady Michelle Obama announced the launch of her new Let's Move campaign, which is focused on helping parents make the right food and activity decisions for their families; improving food in schools; increasing access to healthy, affordable food in communities and increasing physical activity both in and out of school.  "We know the cure for [the childhood obesity epidemic]," Mrs. Obama said.  "We have everything we need right now to help kids lead healthier lives."

For more information or to listen to the segment, please visit http://wamu.org/programs/dr/10/02/11.php#29461.