WellCare Health Plans gives six Kentucky YMCA programs $50,000 to combat childhood obesity
WellCare Health Plans has gven six Kentucky YMCA programs a total of $50,000 to be used for childhood obesity programs, according to a news release.
“Studies show that children and adolescents who are obese are likely to become obese adults who are more at risk for adult health problems such as heart disease, type-2 diabetes, stroke, several types of cancer and osteoarthritis,” Dr. Howard Shaps, medical director for WellCare in Kentucky, said in the release. “Through this partnership with the Kentucky Alliance of YMCAs, WellCare is taking action to address this epidemic by teaching children at an early age the importance of developing healthy habits.”
Kentucky has the third-highest childhood obesity rate in the country and the seventh-highest rate in adult obesity, according to the Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Monies from the grant will go to the Hopkinsville (Christian County) Special Needs and Mental Health / Behavioral Health Specialized Fitness Program; Jefferson County YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program; Clark County Teen Leadership Club; Mason County “Fit for Kids” and “SuperChef” Programs; Pike County Youth Fitness Program; and the Statewide Kentucky Teen Institute, Inspire KY.