New Orleans Schools are in a Fight Against Child Obesity And the Ochsner Medical Center Mobile P.E. Class helps combat the issue

It's Back to School time again and more schools are reducing or eliminating physical education programs in lieu of academic curriculum. According to a national survey, nearly 22 percent of Black and Hispanic kids, ages four to 12, are overweight or obese. And, the 2000 census indicated that the New Orleans population is 67 percent African American and has experienced an increase in Hispanics moving to the area.

Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans is taking P.E. to schools with its Mobile Fitness Unit called On the Move. Ochsner's Elmwood Fitness Center developed a community outreach program to help fight a growing global epidemic: 32 percent, or nine million American children, are now overweight. On the Move is equipped with child-sized workout equipment, staffed by trainers, a nutritionist, and an Executive Chef, and is provided at no cost to New Orleans-area schools.

To view Multimedia News Release go to, http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/ochsner/34118/