The Rotaract Club of Georgetown last Sunday launched its Childhood Obesity Awareness campaign with the painting of murals at the Kingston Seawall in observance of World Rotaract Week.
The campaign, which is aimed at sensitizing both adults and children on the risks associated with childhood obesity and also sought to promote a healthier lifestyle among children, was a collaborative effort between the Rotaract Club of Georgetown and the Rotary Club of Georgetown.
According to Project Lead and Guest Member of the Rotaract Club Kleber Gibson, the project is in keeping with the Rotary District 7030’s goals, which he said are aimed at reducing the increased rates of childhood obesity across the Caribbean.
Gibson said, “The Rotary and Rotaract Clubs of Georgetown chose to implement this project in an effort to reduce the incidences of childhood obesity which will further reduce the likelihood of chronic diseases in adulthood and instill healthy lifestyle behaviors from a young age.”
The project was executed by the Club’s community service committee in two phases. The initial phase sought to have an awareness campaign through the use of the club’s social media pages with the sharing of tips that parents and families can use to promote a healthier and more active lifestyle among children along with tips that can be incorporated into the children’s daily routine.
Meanwhile the second phase of the project included the commissioning of a mural painting on the Seawall, which exhibited the negative actions which possibly lead to childhood obesity along with various approaches that can be used to promote healthier choices and reduce instances of childhood obesity.
A statement from both clubs noted that they expect the information made available through the project can encourage families to ensure that children maintain healthy lifestyles.
