There is a wide-spread problem with the health and well-being of our youth.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kentucky has the fifth-highest rate of obesity in the nation. (National Health and Examination Survey). There has been a dramatic increase in obesity in Kentucky, the rates remain high and one in five children are obese.  Kentucky has the 14th highest obesity rate for youth ages 10 to 17.  The obesity rate for middle and high school students is ranked 3^rd out of 43 states at 20.2%.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children and teens who are obese are more likely to be obese as adults and increased risk for health conditions, such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, stroke, several types of cancer and osteoarthritis.

These growing health and nutrition problems have been identified, on the state and community levels as urgent issues to address in current Extension 4-H Youth Development programs.  Ohio County has a school population of approximately 4258 youth, where statistically over 900 students could theoretically fall into the obese category.  It is important that youth and families recognize, understand, and practice proper health/nutrition habits.  A collaborative effort has been formed with the Ohio County Extension Service, Ohio County Schools, Ohio County Health Care, and the Ohio County Health Council to educate our youth on the perils of obesity. 

The 4-H Body Walk program shows the relationship between physical activity and healthy eating habits to reinforce positive health behaviors and raise the value placed on health. Ohio County 4-H partners with the 7^th grade Life Skills classes at the middle where 304 youth received six hours of training to reinforce the lifestyle culture changes the youth need to make to live healthy productive lives.   Body walk replicates the human body by providing 15 interactive educational stations that link healthy living with our diet, good nutrition choices, and physical activity.  Educational stations included: USDA MyPlate, Brain Development, Mouth Care, Stomach Maintenance, Small Intestine Health, Healthy Heart, Lungs - the effects of Tobacco and E-Cig products, Strong Bones, Healthy Muscles, Skin Protection, Exercise for Life, Food Portion Control, Sugars in our Diet, Fats in our Diet, Diabetes, and Healthy Snack Choices.

As a result of 4-H Body Walk:  
Youth acquired new skills to determine how food affects the overall health of their body (95%)

Youth learned the damaging effects of tobacco and e-cig products can have on their health (100%)   

Youth gained knowledge about healthy eating and exercise practices (100%)
Youth understood how physical activity affects their overall good health (89%)

Youth learned the necessary knowledge and skills to improve their nutrition requirements.
Health Awareness increased among youth, parents, school personnel and the community.
Student: “I did not realize how much fat and sugars were in the foods I eat.”
Student Comment: “Portion sizes are out of control, most restaurants provide too much food to the public. I am overeating when I buy food out.”’

Student: “MyPlate is so simple with my plate being divided into food groups that are important for my health.”
Healthy eating and physical activity are important life skills that will help youth build healthy habits to prevent them from developing adult life problems such as obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. The Body Walk program reinforces nutrition, health, and physical activity in a way that help youth set life goals through nutrition and physical activities.