A Healthy Diet, Regular Exercise Important Strategies for Moving the U.S. Forward

In Tim Karman’s recent article on the Washington Post’s Future of Food Conference, many issues which way heavily on the minds’ of policymakers and families alike were mentioned. However, the one “takeaway” that is a bright spot in an often contentious debate is the importance of eating a healthy diet, especially for children, to begin to address the alarming rates of obesity and obesity-related conditions. As Sam Kass , the assistant White House chef and senior policy adviser for healthy food initiatives, stated in the article, “If we focus on the most fundamental aspect of food, which is our nourishment, I think we can solve a lot of the problems and challenges we are facing today.”

The article goes on to stress the importance of involving youth early to carry messages of good nutrition habits and regular exercise throughout their lives, highlighting First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign.

The Prevent Cancer Foundation has advocated and supported eating a healthy diet and regular exercise along with proper medical screenings and not smoking as some of the most important ways to significantly reducing cancer risk. We applaud the Washington Post and the participants of the Future of Food Conference for discussing these key strategies to promote a healthier and happier next generation.

For more information on children’s nutrition and exercise, visit the Foundation’s Healthy Habits for Children and Families section. What are the strategies you use to keep your children eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly?