Military Targets Childhood Obesity Published April 29, 2014 By xxxYolanda Arrington Health.mil FALLS CHURCH, Va., -- The Department of Defense is taking aim at childhood obesity among military children. The goal: to stop the civilian population's obesity epidemic from reaching military households. Barbara Thompson, director of the Office of Family Policy/Children & Youth, said although military children are generally in better physical shape than their civilian counterparts, DoD officials are still making an effort to promote healthy lifestyles. Thompson noted that there's a culture within the military that may contribute to lower obesity rates among military children. "Being physically fit is the standard for our military members, so I would think that children see their parents being physically fit, and that's a good model for them too." Recognizing the growing national obesity problem, DoD officials have programs in place to help anyone who may be at-risk, or for families who simply want to choose a healthier lifestyle. Thompson points to the "5-2-1-0" program as a start for military families. The guidelines for kids are simple: · Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. · Get two hours or less of "screen time" every day. · Exercise vigorously for one hour. · Drink zero sweetened beverages, opting for water or low-fat milk instead. "It's really catchy and easy to remember. It's a family lifestyle," Thompson said. "We have policies in place to promote good nutrition and physical activity, but we want to make sure these extend into homes," not just the military child care centers. Mission Readiness, a nonpartisan organization of senior retired military leaders, has claimed that 75 percent of 17- to 24-year olds in the U.S. cannot serve in the military, largely because they are too overweight. Thompson echoed the group's concern about future military readiness. "We don't want to be couch potatoes. We need to be out, moving," she said. Families who want to make an immediate change in how they eat in addition to making exercise a priority may visit MyPlate for tips and recipes. "MyPlate ensures that when you're at the commissary, you'll read the labels and buy items that are low in fat, sugar and salt," Thompson explained. Cooking more meals at home - from scratch - and avoiding processed foods and fast food will also benefit a child's health. The individual military service branches offer various healthy living programs, so check with your installation for the options being offered. Military OneSource, a DoD program, offers health and wellness coaching by phone or online via instant messaging. Thompson also encouraged military families to visitOperation Live Well, a DoD wellness program with which her office has partnered. "Together, we all need to work to inform and support families making the healthy choices," Thompson said.