Editor’s note: This timely information about an HBO series that begins tonight comes to us from the Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation.

With recent statistics suggesting that 42% of the United States population will be defined as obese by 2030, The Weight of a Nation, could not come at a more opportune time to shine the light on a national epidemic. The four-part documentary series was developed by HBO in conjunction with several of the nation’s leading research and health care organizations. Three years in the making, the documentary spotlights the facts and myths of this urgent public health issue, showing how obesity affects the health of the nation and the health care system. The series also highlights how individuals, workplaces, and communities are making positive changes.

The documentary airs on HBO on May 14 (Part 1 and 2) and May 15 (Part 3 and 4). Additionally, content will be available free on multiple digital platforms including YouTube and HBO.com. The full series will also be available from the Pottstown Foundation for organizations interested in hosting future screenings.

“Educating ourselves is the first step in getting our community to a healthier weight,” said Dave Kraybill, Executive Director of the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation. “Helping our children make good food choices at home and creating neighborhoods and schools that enable them to eat well and be active are critical to helping the next generation live healthier, happier lives.”

The Foundation also celebrates the ongoing efforts of several grantees who are dedicated to aiding the community in pursuing healthier lifestyles and combating obesity:

Boyertown Area School District’s Brain Body Connection project is an effort to measure the connection between student’s health, physical activity and academic performance. For instance, science teachers collaborate with physical education teachers on days when tests are to be given – ensuring that students receive a stimulating dose of activity before heading into the classroom to take their test. The District’s vision is to expand the focus on physical activity beyond the gymnasium, making it more of an integral and beneficial part of their students’.

Get Moving at the Freedom Valley YMCA is an exercise and health education program meant to motivate individuals to pursue healthy lifestyles. The impetus for the program came during a Relay for Life event. One team noticed others struggling to walk around the track and approached the YMCA with an idea based on community members supporting each other toward common healthy goals. The program began in January and runs through June 2012. Their goal is to see seventy-five percent of participants increase their walking/running time and distance.

Pottstown School District’s Healthy Me initiative promotes healthy living through its after school programs that focus on nutrition, diet, food preparation, exercise activities and stress reduction. The program aims to decrease the proportion of obesity in both the middle school and high school levels. It is open to all students, staff and local community at no charge.

About the Foundation
The Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation’s mission is to enhance the health and wellness of area residents, providing education, funding and programs that motivate people to adopt healthy lifestyles. Visit http://www.pottstownfoundation.org for more information about the Foundation. Discover Pottstown area’s online community at http://www.missionhealthyliving.org to learn and share great information on how to lead a healthier life – including its series on childhood obesity. You can also follow Mission Healthy Living on Facebook and Twitter.

If your organization is interested in hosting a screening of The Weight of the Nation, please contact Rose Crews at rosecrews@pottstownfoundation.org for more details.