First Lady Launches ‘Let’s Move’ Anniversary Tour - East Idaho News

First Lady Launches ‘Let’s Move’ Anniversary Tour

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N 020811 FirstLadyMichelleObamaLetsMoveCampaign?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1328787805191The White House/Lawrence Jackson(WASHINGTON) — Over the past two years, first lady Michelle Obama has showcased her hula-hooping skills, broken a world record for jumping jacks and taught us how to “Dougie” in an effort to encourage the nation’s children to live healthier lives through exercise.

On Thursday, the first lady is on the move again, embarking on a three-day tour to celebrate the anniversary of her signature “Let’s Move” initiative to fight childhood obesity.

In stops in Iowa, Arkansas, Texas and Florida, Obama will continue to promote healthy eating and exercise while also touting the successes of her program.

“The physical and emotional health of an entire generation and the economic health and security of our nation is at stake,” the first lady said two years ago when she launched “Let’s Move.”

While an estimated 17 percent of American children and adolescents are obese, the White House said the first lady has made great progress toward her goal of ending childhood obesity within a generation.

She has encouraged more than 1,500 schools to meet high standards in nutrition and fitness, partnered with nationwide chains and small grocers to expand the availability of  healthful foods, and convinced restaurants and food manufacturers to cut calories and offer healthier options, according to the White House.

The work, however, goes on. 

On Thursday, the first lady kicks off her trip in Des Moines, where she will discuss Iowa’s goal to become the healthiest state in America by 2016.  Later in the afternoon, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Michelle Obama will announce efforts to improve the nutritional value of military food.  Finally, in Fort Worth, Texas, the first lady will host a roundtable discussion with parents who are changing their families eating habits at home.

Later this week, the first lady will join forces with chefs from Bravo’s Top Chef and the Dallas Cheerleaders to highlight school lunches in Dallas, participate in a WebMD town hall in Homestead, Fla., and discuss the work of community organizations in supporting healthy lifestyles in Longwood, Fla.

Obama’s whirlwind tour will conclude with a stop at ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World, where she’ll get moving with local kids and their families.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

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