COAL TOWNSHIP - It's sad but true: childhood obesity is an epidemic in the United States today.
On Saturday, Shamokin Area Community Hospital will again be sponsoring the Heck of a Hill 5k Run/Walk to raise awareness on childhood obesity.
Co-chairman David Hoffman, director of occupational medicine and wellness, believes the current trend can be addressed and reversed.
"Over the past 30 years, obesity has tripled amongst our children and adolescents," he said. "Times have definitely changed, and a significant factor is the evolution of technology."
Hofffman referred to the fact that with technological advancements, life in a sense has gotten easier. Shoveling snow and cutting grass have gotten easier with the invention of snow throwers and riding mowers. Kids today are more likely to sit on a couch and play video games for hours than go outside and play kickball or hide-and-seek.
"Statistically, obese children will grow into obese adults," added Hoffman. "Childhood obesity is very scary because of the health problems that are associated with it."
More than half of obese children and adolescents will develop cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Obesity will also be responsible for these children developing sleep apnea, bone and joint problems, social and psychological problems and Type 2 Diabetes.
"These health ailments don't need to impact our youth if we provide them with the proper guidance on living a healthy lifestyle," stated Hoffman. "We need to stress exercise and proper eating habits. We need to take control and reverse these current trends."
The Heck of a Hill 5K Run/Walk poses a great challenge for dedicated runners while also offering a beautiful course for novice competitors to enjoy. Considered a road-to- trail race, the Heck of a Hill will begin on the SACH campus at 9:30 a.m. and journey onto the scenic Aqua Pennsylvania lands.
In order to promote physical fitness for all age groups, a Kids Fun Run will be held prior to the 5K. According to Debra Long, same day surgery registered nurse and co-chair, an event for younger children has been added to the agenda.
"We can't stress exercise enough to our children today," she said. "We thought it was important to open our day with a Kids Fun Run for children to young to compete in the 5K. This shows them that exercising at any age can be done and be lots of fun as well."
The Kids Fun Run will begin at 9 a.m. for children 11 years of age and younger. There is no fee for the Kids Fun Run, and there will be additional activities for the children afterwards.
"After the Kids Fun Run, we will have the children supervised while mom or dad run the 5K," added Long. "There will be sidewalk chalk art contests and snacks."
Also new this year is the benefit of the Heck of a Hill 5K. "This year's proceeds from the 5K will benefit the Children's Miracle Network," said Hoffman. "Since we're focusing on children, we wanted to make sure we could assist a worthy children's cause.
Cameron Scandle, 11 years old of Coal Township, has been designated as the honorary chairperson of the 2011 Heck of a Hill 5K. He will officially start the race. Cameron was a Miracle Baby in 2002 after being born 11 weeks premature. He is the son of Laura and Bo Scandle.
"We're here to help out," said Laura Scandle. "When our son was born he received such great care, but it was amazing to see how the Children's Miracle Network supported the Geisinger's Children's Hospital."
Bo Scandle added that, to this day, his family will remain involved by giving back to the Children's Miracle Network, especially through their efforts of coordinating a golf tournament. "I'm very grateful. If you look at Cameron you wouldn't know he was a Miracle Baby, and now he's a very active boy playing golf, baseball and basketball."
The Scandles are currently coordinating the 11th golf tournament that coincides with the telethon weekend. It will be held on Saturday, June 4 at Knoebels Three Ponds.
Race course amenities include 1.5 mile splits, water stops, bathrooms, post race food, professional timing with posted results.
There are eight age group categories for the race including: 14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70+.
Awards will be given to the overall male and female of the race, and first, second, and third place finishers for males and females in respective age groups. Individuals may register on the day of the race at a fee of $15. Registration will begin promptly at 7:30 am in the Ressler Center parking lot.
"We have more than 130 participants pre-registered for the Heck of a Hill Race," said Hoffman. "It's so amazing to see how much support we receive from the community to coordinate this event. We are so very grateful to our race sponsors."
The SACH Wellness Committee would like to thank: major sponsors Aqua Pennsylvania, AREA Services, Assist Home Care, FNB Bank, Geisinger Children's Hospital, MA Landscape, SACH Auxiliary and Medical Staff, Star Physical Therapy and Fitness, Sunbury Broadcasting Corp., W & L Sportscars, and sponsors Harry's Grill, I.B.E.W. Local 607, International Paper, Miller's Gas & Oil Co., Mount Carmel Senior Living Community, Paige Rosini, Esquire, Daniel Shingara Enterprises, SUN Orthopaedic Group, Tom Olcese Pharmacy, VNA Health System and Weis Markets.
Individuals interested in registering for the race may download a copy of the form from the SACH website, or register in person on the day of the race. Sponsorships are still being accepted for the Heck of a Hill 5K in the hospital's development office at 644-4586.