Preparations are in full swing for the Jessie Rees Foundation’s NEGU For Kids California Tour! Sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross, we will be traveling on a 4-week, 13-city tour from Sacramento to San Diego to address two major health concerns affecting our children–pediatric cancer and childhood obesity. Our team of All Stars will be spreading JOY to children in hospitals and spending time at local Boys and Girls Clubs to educate kids on obesity prevention, proper nutrition, exercise techniques and of course…encouraging all kids to Never Ever Give Up.
As we make our stops through California Children’s Hospitals and Boys and Girls Clubs, we will be joined with Anthem Blue Cross Employees, volunteers, community members and professional athletes–all with one goal–education, prevention and encouragement. The number of childhood obesity cases and pediatric cancer cases are growing daily and every one of these children need encouragement. Statistics show that a positive outlook can dramatically affect one’s medical results.
Today, nearly one third of children in the United States are obese. Obesity is a recognized risk factor for chronic diseases including heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Research indicates that obesity and physical inactivity may account for 25-30 percent of several major cancers. Evidence also shows that regular physical activity may lower ones risks for certain cancers.
“Preventing and reducing obesity is an important cancer prevention strategy”, said Dr Rachel Ballard, Associate Director of the Applied Research Program in the National Cancer Institute’s Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences. “Research suggests that obesity at multiple periods throughout life may increase cancer risk and worsen prognosis”, she said. “Further, evidence suggests that if obesity persists from childhood through teenage years, the risk of obesity during adulthood is higher. Obesity prevention efforts must be important, not just to help control childhood obesity, but it may also reduce cancer-related morbidity and mortality in the United States”
The NEGU For Kids California Tour kicks off the week of July 1st in Northern California! Follow us as we travel through the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego regions! We NEGU for courageous kids!