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Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems program aims to curb child obesity

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By Meg Haskell, BDN Staff

Posted Aug. 10, 2009, at 9:30 p.m.

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BANGOR, Maine — Concerned about the growing rate of obesity in Maine children, Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems has teamed up with area schools, day care centers, community agencies, municipalities and other groups to promote healthful lifestyles.

The “Let’s Go-EMHS” partnership was announced Monday at the Parkside Children’s Learning Center on Maine Avenue. The event attracted U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, home from Washington, D.C., during the August congressional recess, as well as a number of regional health care and public health experts.

Let’s Go is a Portland-based program that has expanded to communities throughout Maine and into some other New England states. The program promotes the “5-2-1-0” concept:

• Five or more servings of fruits or vegetables every day.

• Two hours or less of recreational television, computer or other “screen time” per day.

• One hour or more of physical activity per day.

• Zero sugar-sweetened beverages such as soda and energy drinks, and more servings of water and low-fat milk.

Many area schools, agencies, medical practices and other groups already have adopted the 5-2-1-0 model, according to Erin Whitehouse, coordinator of the Youth Health Lifestyle Project at EMHS.

“It’s about delivering a consistent message,” she said Monday. “It’s a constant affirmation of making healthy lifestyle choices.”

EMHS will work with interested groups to help fund the Let’s Go initiative as well as provide organizational support, educational materials and more.

Let’s Go also promotes public policy changes, such as the development of community walking trails and the regulation of vending machines in schools, that support healthful behavior.

On the Web: www.letsgo.org.