NHC Smart Start Confronts Childhood Obesity

By Roderick McClain

02-07-11 –

New Hanover County's Smart Start, in a partnership with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation, is among the first eight of thirty programs selected to implement Shape NC: Healthy Starts for Young Children.

Of the almost 7,200 children between ages 2 and 4 county-wide, nearly 1,300 are overweight and nearly 1,100 are obese. Janet Nelson of New Hanover County's Smart Start says some of the grant funds will be used to make select playgrounds more inviting for kids.

"What we'd like to see is more grassy areas, a variety of surfaces where they might can ride tricycles, and shade and lots of plants to make it just a more interesting place, so that being outside is good."

Nelson says overweight and obese children are less likely to enjoy success in school. The partnership will invest $3 million in 30 Smart Start Programs over three years.