The Surgeon General's Call to Action for Families and Communities

Families and communities lie at the foundation of the solution to the problems of overweight and obesity. Family members can share their own knowledge and habits regarding a healthy diet and physical activity with their children, friends, and other community members. Emphasis should be placed on family and community opportunities for communication, education, and peer support surrounding the maintenance of healthy dietary choices and physical activity patterns.

After taking the assessment, here are some things you can do next.

Working with overweight children
Help your child learn simple ways to maintain a healthy weight.

Eat healthier at home (without feeling deprived)
Simple ways to choose foods that are good for you--and satisfy your tastebuds.

Make healthier choices when dining out
Even at a restaurant there are simple ways to eat healthy foods.

Fix healthy food for your family
Find lots of healthy recipes that use foods you already have in your refrigerator or cupboard.

118 small steps to improve your family's health
Things you can do every day to keep yourself and your family in good health.

Be active when time is an issue
Ever feel like you just don't have time to exercise? Try these tips.

Raising Healthy Children
A guide for African American Families

Get your family moving and eating right
Simple strategies for families

Tips from pediatricians for families
Find some great ideas for your family.

How families can help prevent childhood obesity
At every stage of life, it's important for parents to help their children maintain a healthy weight.

General tips for building sidewalks
Use these helpful tips when talking to your community leaders about building more sidewalks

For more information on how to improve your family's health, click on the links below:

• Medical Resources:
  Find a family doctor or pediatrician and other health care providers in your area
  
• Nutrition Resources:
  Find organizations and programs designed to provide nutritional and dietary information and services in your area
  
• Physical Activity Resources:
  Find organizations and programs designed to provide physical activity and recreational information and services in your area

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Medical Resources

N.C. Pediatric Society Find a pediatrician in your area

N.C. Academy of Family Physicians Find a physician in your area

N.C. Dietetic Association Find a registered dietician in your area

N.C. Health Info Find medical, nutrition, and physical activity resources in your area

 

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Nutrition Resources

NC Alliance for Healthy Communities Find a public/private weight-loss program in your area

N.C. Dietetic Association Find a registered dietician in your area

Physical Activity and Nutrition Branch (DHHS) Find a successful Nutrition Program in your area

NC Division of Aging Find a local senior center

NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Find a farmers market in your county

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Physical Activity Resources

Physical Activity and Nutrition Branch (DHHS) Find a successful physical activity program in your area

YMCA Find a local YMCA

Boys & Girls Club of America Find a local Boys & Girls Club

NC Division of Parks & Recreation Find a local park or recreation area

IHRSA Find a local health club with the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association

NC Division of Aging Find a local senior center

NC Department of Transportation Find a local bike or pedestrian trail with the Bike and Pedestrian Branch of the NC Department of Transportation

Department of Public Instruction Find a local school

Boy Scouts Find a local Boy Scouts group

Girl Scouts Find a local Girl Scouts group