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Wilmington Blue Rocks

Blue Rocks Combat Childhood Obesity with Happy Healthy Kids Program

March 3, 2011 - Carolina League (CarL1)
Wilmington Blue Rocks News Release


Wilmington, DE - The Wilmington Blue Rocks are teaming up with local children in the fight against childhood obesity with the Happy Healthy Kids initiative. Spearheaded by Blue Crew mascot Rocky Bluewinkle, the Rocks are challenging local kids to pledge to do something that will improve their health in a fun and easy way.

The goal is to reach 10,000 pledges by the home opener on April 15. As a reward to the children who participate, each will receive one free ticket and a healthy snack pack for a select Blue Rocks game, and may participate in a fitness activity on the field prior to the game. Lastly, schools or organizations with the highest participation have the opportunity to be specifically recognized on the field on opening night.

Childhood obesity is a significant problem in Delaware and the United States, as it negatively affects a child's health or well-being. The elements that trigger childhood obesity include genetics, behavior, environment, and socio-demographics. This medical condition leads to increased cardiovascular disease including: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, dyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes. Other effects consist of stroke, several types of cancer, sleep apnea, liver damage and asthma.

In a population-based sample of five to 17-year-olds, 70 percent of obese children had at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Recent studies have shown that 32 states have a prevalence of obesity greater than 25 percent, while six states checked in at over 30 percent. The state of Delaware falls along the 27th percentile. To make matters worse, 40 percent of Delaware's children are either overweight or obese. This number is astonishing and must be lowered before it gets even further out of control.

That is why Rocky Bluewinkle is challenging kids to challenge themselves. Some great examples of pledge ideas include dancing during the commercials of a favorite television show, joining a sports team, or eating vegetables. The program's formal announcement can be viewed online: http://www.youtube.com/watch v=ecZiKWvHtFQ.

The Blue Rocks will provide updates on their website, where they will also post videos from Rocky, and the Happy Healthy Kids spokescharacter, Reggy. All schools, after-school programs, or other organizations interested in taking part in the Happy Healthy Kids program should call 302-888-2015, ext. 0, or log on to the official website of the Wilmington Blue Rocks, www.bluerocks.com.

Blue Rocks baseball returns to Frawley Stadium on Friday, April 15 as the Blue Crew hosts the Potomac Nationals (Washington Nationals) at 7:05 p.m. For tickets call 302-888-BLUE or visit bluerocks.com.

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