Brainerd Area Kids Need to Exercise

Concern about childhood obesity has come to the Brainerd Lakes Area. The Brainerd Medical Center will receive a 50-thousand-dollar grant to teach children and their parents about the health benefits of good nutrition and regular physical activity. Spokesman Kim Deiss tells KLKS News, the level of obesity among children six to 11 has gone up dramatically. And, she says just because we line in an area that features lots of outdoor activities, that does not exempt our kids from the health risks. She says we still have the same sorts of behavior issues that occur with other kids in the country. But, if we can get them out and doing healthful activities, that would be a huge benefit for us. The pilot program will begin with the third grade classes at Garfield School.