Page 99 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2018

GIVING BACK 5-2-1-0 LET’S GO!
GULF COAST
Fights Childhood Obesity
story by Lynn Lofton
photos courtesy of Let’s Go! Gulf Coast
With the current focus on childhood obesity, Let’s Go! Gulf Coast is all about healthy eating and active living for Mississippi Gulf Coast children, their families, and the communities in which they live, learn, work, and play. This adaptation of the nationally recognized childhood obesity program, Let’s Go!, is designed to combat this issue in local communities.
“Let’s Go! Gulf Coast uses a multi-setting approach to reach youth and families based on the premise that if families are exposed to the same health promotion messages through several settings, and if those settings have policies and environments that support healthy choices, they will be more likely to adopt or maintain the behaviors in their daily lives,” says Kelsey Keel, director of the Childhood Obesity Initiative with the Gulf Coast Youth Health Coalition.
Keel explains that the Coast program centers on the use of the common message of 5-2-1-0 — 5 servings of fruit and vegetables daily; 2 hours or less of screen time; 1 hour or more of physical activity; and 0 sugary drinks. “These behaviors are supported by science and endorsed as recommendations by medical professionals,” she said.
The local team partners with early child care settings, schools, after-school programs, local workplaces, healthcare facilities, and community organizations along the three coastal counties. “We’re always looking to partner with new sites and have lots of free resources to provide them, along with fun programs or initiatives,” Keel said.
The Mississippi Gulf Coast Youth Health Coalition adopted Let’s Go! Gulf Coast as its main program. The coalition is comprised of individuals from more than 20 organizations and businesses on the Coast. Founding partners include Chevron Pascagoula Refinery, Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA, the University of Southern Mississippi, Singing River Health System, Salvation Army Kroc Center, and Blossman Gas.
Let’s Go! Gulf Coast
228.369.2912
www.letsgogulfcoast.org
FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net
December 2018 • SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living 99