AMERICAN COUNCIL FOR FITNESS AND NUTRITION CHAIR ADDRESSES GIRL SCOUT RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Institute Study Sheds Light on Girls’ View of Childhood Obesity, Adolescent Health
Washington, DC –- Susan Finn, Ph.D.,
R.D., L.D., F.A.D.A., chair of The American Council for Fitness and Nutrition
(ACFN), will address a Girl Scout Research Institute panel discussion on Capitol
Hill on Thursday about its recently released research study, The New Normal?
What Girls Say About Healthy Living. Dr. Finn is one of only two experts asked
speak on the panel and provide her expertise in the findings of the Girls Scout
Research Institute study.
“The report released by the Girl Scout Research Institute contains a wealth
of valuable information in the health and wellness arena,” said Dr. Finn.
“The Girl Scouts is a leader in promoting health and wellness among a
key group—the girls and young women of America. By listening and responding
to the diverse voices of today’s girls, we are making a significant grassroots
investment in the health and strength of tomorrow’s families and communities.”
Finn pointed to similarities between the Girls Scout Research Institute findings and the information ACFN gathered in its “TRIUMPH” (Trends, Resources and Inspiration for Understanding and Maintaining Physical Health) series of events held in seven cities across the country in 2005, including the importance of community action and cultural relevance.
Finn also noted ACFN’s work with the American Dietetic Association Foundation to focus populations that data suggests are most at-risk of obesity. “Government research and findings from the Girls Scouts study clearly show that African-American and Hispanic children are at a particularly high risk for obesity. Among girls and young women, approximately 40% of non-Hispanic and African-Americans and 37% of Mexican Americans are at risk of overweight or are overweight – compared to only 27% of white girls and young women. In addition, the national survey (NHANES 1999-2002) tracked rates of overweight and obesity, which shows that a larger increase in the number of children who become overweight and obese occurs between the ages of 6-11 years than between 12-19 years. This information will allow us to target prevention before rates begin to climb.”
Dr. Susan Finn serves as chair of the American Council for Fitness and Nutrition (ACFN), a nonprofit organization that brings together food and beverage companies, associations, and health and nutrition advocates to work toward viable long-term solutions to the nation’s obesity epidemic. ACFN represents a diverse group of organizations and is guided by an Advisory Board of experts in the fields of nutrition, physical activity and behavior change. Finn guides the organization’s educational efforts to uncover and support programs and research aimed at finding long-term solutions to the growing problem of overweight and obesity.
Dr. Finn will be available to the media on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 and Thursday, January 26, 2006. For more information, please contact Jennifer O’Shea at (202) 715-1525.”
CONTACT
Jennifer O'Shea
202-715-1525
jennifer.o'shea@dittus.com
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