Local sorority targeting childhood obesity

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – One in three African-American children are overweight or obese and this is a growing epidemic. So a group of ladies are trying to combat childhood obesity. Jossie Burton of Delta Sigma Theta says every year the group has an event called Impact Day and this year they wanted to focus on keeping children healthy.

"Obese children lead to becoming obese adults," Burton says. "Obesity in adulthood leads to problems like cardiovascular disease diabetes high cholesterol so we want to start with the children because that's where it starts."

Impact Day will teach children how to eat properly and have a healthier lifestyle. It's a community event will feature nutritionists for adults and children, Zumba, physicians, vendors sponsors.

Burton says, "We want the community to come out it's a free event it's open to the public because we want everyone to get involved so they can learn more about childhood obesity and how to prevent it."

The Jacksonville Alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is holding Impact Day next Saturday, March 9th from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.at Emanuel Missionary Baptist Church. For more information, you can contact A Jamila Pope at Delta@dstjax.org.