Today, about one of three American kids and teens are overweight or obese, nearly triple the rate in 1963. Among children today, obesity is causing a broad range of health problems that previously weren’t seen until adulthood. These include high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and elevated blood cholesterol levels. There are also psychological effects. Obese children are more prone to low self-esteem, negative body image and depression.
However, there’s good news: Obesity can be stopped. And it doesn’t take high-tech treatments or cutting-edge medications. The solution begins and ends with the daily decisions we make.
Michelle Bouchard, President of HealthCorps, comes on the show to discuss the The First Childhood Obesity Awareness Month and how parents can help their own children and kids in their community lead healthier and happier lives.
Guest Info
Michelle Bouchard, President
Ms. Bouchard brings twenty years' experience in public/private partnerships to her position as the President of HealthCorps. Prior to heading up HealthCorps, Ms. Bouchard served for three years as the Chief Financial Officer of Governor's Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC), a public benefit corporation, for the State of New York. She was appointed to the position by Governor Pataki. At GIPEC, Ms. Bouchard oversaw $35 million in operating funds and $140 million in capital funds. Ms. Bouchard also co-founded two not-for-profit theatres in New York City, The 42nd Street Workshop (now the WorkShop Theater) and the New Group, serving as the primary producer in both cases. Both theatres are thriving in NYC today. In the corporate world, Ms. Bouchard served as the Director of Marketing Technologies for a historic software consortium, the REALM and the special assistant to the Senior Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at Hoovers Online. Ms. Bouchard has served on the Boards of Directors of several not-for-profits, including the New York State Theatre Institute, Youth Counseling League, and the 42nd Street Workshop. She also founded the Teddy Roosevelt Group, a 527 political organization. Ms. Bouchard graduated from Wellesley College with a BA in Political Science. She is a Native Texan.
