The California Center for Public Health Advocacy's report entitled Overweight Children in California's Counties and Communities, 2004 stated that 25% of 5th, 7th, and 9th graders in San Mateo County are overweight. Excess weight leads to higher risk of cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, hypertension, stroke, certain types of cancer, as well as mental, emotional, and social stress. Healthcare professionals can help mitigate and prevent overweight and other chronic diseases through advocacy, health education, and promotion of initiatives and policies that encourage wellness. This section includes information on:

• breastfeeding resources in San Mateo County,
• health education materials and toolkits,
• local resources on nutrition and physical activity,
• information on successful public health programs,
• data on childhood obesity and overweight, and
• health and wellness policies.

Websources:

Blueprint for Prevention of Childhood Obesity: A Call to Action       

Kidsdata.org by the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health