This Week's Herman Trend Alert Women---Expanding their Sphere of Influence

The Herman Trend Alert December 3, 2008 Addressing Childhood Obesity Childhood obesity (including being overweight) has arrived at epidemic levels. Globally, an estimated 22 million children under the age of five are overweight; ten percent of those aged 5 to 17 are overweight or obese. During the last two decades, annual obesity prevalence rates in the 5 to 17 age group have increased by 0.5 percent per year in Brazil, and by almost one percent per year in Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. In the United States, the rate among children has almost tripled since 1980. This uptick in the US is attributable to exponential rise in the use of high fructose corn syrup in many foods. This benign-sounding, yet insidious, substance turns off the body's "appestat", which prevents the brain from alerting the eater the stomach is full. Most initiatives responding to childhood obesity focus on nutrition, physical activity, and body composition. However, an article published recently in the peer-reviewed journal "Preventing Chronic Disease" proposes the use of a Canadian prototype, the Child Health Ecological Surveillance System (CHESS). CHESS involves regional health authorities and considers the role environmental influences play. Meanwhile, numerous US programs focus on increasing physical activity and improving food choices. One popular program in the US is "NFL Play 60", The National Football League's "Movement for an Active Generation". Their current Super Bowl contest, called "Earn Your Stripes™", encourages young people to play 60 minutes a day. The grand prize is a trip to Super Bowl XLIII and the honor of presenting the official game ball to start the game. The local YMCAs promote the “Activate America” program that provides rewards to children for their participation in fitness-related activities. Annually each spring, more than 1,400 YMCAs host a Healthy Kids® Day. Through fun, engaging, and creative activities, this interactive special event encourages children and families to adopt behaviors that support a healthy lifestyle. As nations begin to feel the cost of treating obese adults, we expect to see an increase in these kinds of programs, focusing on all of the factors contributing to childhood obesity, not just a few. The return on investment will be substantial. © Copyright 1998- by The Herman Group, Inc. -- reproduction for publication is encouraged, with the following attribution: From "The Herman Trend Alert," by Roger Herman and Joyce Gioia, Strategic Business Futurists. (800) 227-3566 or http://www.hermangroup.com. The Herman Trend Alert is a trademark of The Herman Group, Inc." EMPLOYERS AND JOBSEEKERS: MARK YOUR CALENDARS Advertise at or attend VetJobs Virtual Career Fairs. VetJobs, the top veterans' job board, and PSI, the premier diversity job fair producer, are teaming up to launch these VeteransCONNECT events. Employer registration is now open with loading by February 15th. Candidate loading begins March 1st. Expect 25-30 employers and an attendee goal of 2,000 skilled jobseekers. Promoted extensively, early registration begins NOW. To register or request additional information, contact VetJobs at 877-838-5627 or email info@vetjobs.com; Employers: Mention the Herman Trend Alert to receive a Bonus. LOOKING FOR A UNIQUE VALENTINE’S GIFT? Give the gift of leadership advice in our weekly Lessons in Leadership to help your supervisors and managers remind your leaders about what’s really important The 52-week subscription is only $47, a bargain when you think about the savings to your organization in reduced turnover. Quantity discounts available by emailing Joyce at joyce@hermangroup.com. http://www.hermangroup.com/store/subscription_all.html#3 Order today! PREVENT EMPLOYEE TURNOVER IN 2012 Yes, you can prevent costly employee turnover, when you train your supervisors, managers, and executives. They will learn dozens of low and no-cost strategies and tactics that they can implement right away. We have an impressive track record and stand ready to help you. Call Carl at 336-210-3547 for a no-obligation conference call. Herman Trend Alerts are produced by the Herman Group, strategic business futurists, Certified Management Consultants, authors, and professional speakers. New subscribers are welcome. There is no charge for this public service. The Herman Trend Alert is received by over 30,000 subscribers in 78 countries, in addition to other websites and printed magazines. Do you enjoy receiving this weekly e-mail update? Contact us about our co-branded Trend Alert service. Click here to sign up for the Herman Trend Alert. Subscribe or Unsubscribe to weekly Herman Trend Alert View this week's Herman Trend Alert Archived Weekly Herman Trend Alerts

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