CHILDREN + OBESITY: Thad Pryor Points to Alarming Trends in Childhood Obesity

NEW BERLIN, Wis., Feb. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Childhood obesity has been a rising problem for some time now, and most Americans are aware of the epidemic proportions that childhood obesity has reached. According to a new CNN report, however, this children's health crisis is presenting whole new sets of challenges. CNN reveals that many children are outgrowing their clothing, and even the furniture used in their schools. According to Children of America CEO Thad Pryor, the CNN report points to a serious problem -- and a possible solution.

In his time as the leader of Children of America, Thad Pryor has championed the cause of children's fitness. One of his most noteworthy initiatives has been the implementation of a Presidential Fitness program, in Children of America locations across the country. According to Thad Pryor, the CNN study goes a long way toward illustrating why childhood obesity is such an urgent concern.

In fact, Thad Pryor points to one anecdote as particularly troubling. The CNN story reports that a 14-year-old boy, having reached a weight of more than 300 pounds, found himself no longer able to fit comfortably in his school desk. Rather than ask for the school to accommodate his physical need, however, the student suffered quietly, simply not wishing to draw attention to himself.

According to Thad Pryor, this public school incident reveals how bad the problem of childhood obesity has become, but it also reminds us of where a possible solution lies -- in education. According to the Children of America CEO, teaching kids to make healthy choices from a young age might be one of the best ways to prevent obesity later in life. His own fitness initiatives at Children of America serve as a possible model.

Thad Pryor, a former martial arts champion, has emphasized the importance of physical fitness throughout his time at Children of America. He notes that physical development goes hand in hand with mental development, and that an emphasis on strong body-and-mind connection ultimately helps kids do better in their academic pursuits.

ABOUT:

Children of America is a nationwide childcare service that was established in 1999, and is led by CEO Thad Pryor. By offering early education and before- and after-school programs, Children of America has supplemented the formal education of its students for over ten years. Now with 47 schools around the country, Children of America is able to reach an unprecedented amount of students. Through an innovative curriculum designed by child development and education expert, as well as Vice President of Education and Professional Development, Dr. Vicki Folds, Thad Pryor and his team have been able to provide great educational resources to families and students across the United States.

Interested parents are encouraged to visit www.childrenofamerica.com for more information about the Children of America educational opportunities.

SOURCE Thad Pryor