I Am Moving, I Am Learning : a Proactive Approach for Addressing Childhood Obesity in Head Start Children. [Summary Report : the First Two Years.]

Young children are not physically fit just because they are young. Head Start programs can make a major contribution to promoting good health and strong bodies for children by intentionally integrating appropriate physical activity and wise nutrition choices into their daily routines. A deliberate and "active start" in Head Start can improve children's physical, mental and social development - all of which are critical to school readiness. Through greater intentionality, we can increase children's protective factors against chronic disease and obesity across their entire lifespan, and build a foundation for longterm health and well-being.