Freeways to Exercise Chattanooga

Why Freeways in Chattanooga?
In Hamilton County, almost 60% of adults are overweight or obese (2005 BRFSS). In Tennessee, the latest youth survey (2007) revealed that 35% of youth were either obese or at risk for becoming overweight. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC VERB), 40% of children in the U.S. between ages of 5 and 8 are obese or have high blood pressure or cholesterol levels. More than 1 in 7 children age 6 to 19 years are overweight and have type 2 diabetes, a disease traditionally restricted to adults. Why is this important? Overweight children and adolescents are at risk for health problems during their youth and as adults. Overweight children and adolescents are more likely to have risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease (such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes) than are other children and adolescents (CDC).
About Freeways to Exercise According to the CDC, the largest barrier for parents with low income to engage their families in physical activity was that it costs too much (70.6%) with transportation as second (46.6%). Freeways to Exercise is a community education campaign to promote fun, FREE, and easily accessible physical activities that currently exist in the Chattanooga area. This project focuses on local 3rd-5th graders and their families. Freeways to Exercise is a community project coordinated by the Chattanooga Chamber Leadership Chattanooga group: 8 Sides of a Circle. This group includes: Kathie Fulgham, Scott Kornblum, Tracy McCrory, Aaron Mills, Kasey Poole, Melissa Taylor, Greg Willett, and Rick Wood.
Hear it from our local experts
	The epidemic of obesity: kids are predicted to not outlive their parents. Dr. Bob Benge, Southern Adventist University
	It's not about looks- how excess fat impacts organs. Dr. Patrick, BlueCross BlueShield, TN
	Any improvement is an improvement. Dr. Bunting
	The benefits of physical activity for kids. Dr. Bob Benge, Southern Adventist University

Freeways to Exercise Project, Leadership Chattanooga | 811 Broad Street | Chattanooga, TN 37402