Washington – U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln has been honored by the Campaign to End Obesity for her commitment to fighting the obesity epidemic in Arkansas and across the nation. She was one of only six members of Congress to receive the annual award.
“Keeping healthy and fit should be a lifelong goal for Arkansans and all Americans. Nearly 70 percent of adults struggle with their weight and more than nine million children are overweight or obese, which can lead to more than 60 chronic illnesses. This recognition helps shine a light on the importance of healthy eating and exercise. I’m pleased to be honored by the Campaign to End Obesity,” said Lincoln.
Lincoln has long worked to improve the health or our nation’s adults and children. Earlier this year, she participated with two Arkansas schools in the American Horsepower Challenge, a walking competition with physical education equipment as the prize.
Lincoln partnered with Cloverdale Middle School and Dollarway Middle School to participate in the competition, which required Lincoln and 20 fifth and sixth grade students at each school to wear a pedometer and wirelessly report their steps to an online database. The pedometers helped Lincoln and the students monitor their daily activity for four weeks. Competing against schools across the nation, Lincoln and the students logged a total of 2,002,756 steps, or approximately 759 miles.
“Students today face so many distractions when it comes to staying fit. Video games, television, and the Internet have kept our youth from getting outdoors to play and exercise. Working together, educators and parents can play an important role in stressing the importance of eating right and exercising,” said Lincoln.
Lincoln’s award was announced at the second annual Breakfast with Champions held earlier this month in Washington.
Photo Caption: U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln is recognized as a champion in the fight against obesity by Lee Kaplan, MD, PhD, Chairman of the Campaign to End Obesity.
