Partnership Seeks ‘The Healthiest Generation’

A new partnership between Nickelodeon (the children’s television network), The William Jefferson Clinton Foundation and the American Heart Association seeks to stem the increasing incidence of childhood obesity.

The newly formed Alliance for a Healthier Generation seeks to empower children and families to be agents of change in their communities and to live healthier lives. The group will use Nickelodeon’s “Let’s Just Play” program and public service annoucements featuring Clinton and another Arkansas governor with presidential aspirations, Mike Huckabee, who has lost more than 100 pounds and written a book about his experience, to spread the word.

“This issue is very close to me,” Clinton said in a news release. “As a child, I was overweight and have struggled with my weight all my life. After my bypass surgery last year, I wanted to develop a program for young people so they know about the dangers of eating poorly and living an unhealthy lifestyle and also so they know that there are options available to eat right and exercise. Nickelodeon has been active in this area for quite a while, and this partnership will be a great team, bringing the issue of childhood obesity to the forefront of health consciousness and will help America’s youth get involved to create their own healthy lifestyles.”

Clinton has taped a town hall meeting with kids talking about obesity that will air as Nick News Special: The Fight to be Fit on Nov. 13. For more information about the program, visit the group’s website.