Building Healthier Futures: Harris County Public Health Supports Families During Childhood Obesity Awareness Month and Beyond
Every parent wants to see their child grow up happy, healthy, and full of energy. Yet for many families, maintaining healthy habits in today’s busy world isn’t always easy. That’s why Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is reaching out this September—National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month—with encouragement, practical tips, and programs designed to support local families year-round.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 1 in 5 children and teens in the U.S. are affected by obesity. That means millions of kids are at a greater risk for health challenges like diabetes, asthma, and heart disease, but also for struggles that are less visible—such as self-esteem, friendships, and even school performance.
Why This Matters in Harris County
Childhood obesity doesn’t affect all families equally. National data show that Hispanic children (26.2%) and non-Hispanic Black children (24.8%) are more likely to face obesity compared to white (16.6%) and Asian (9.0%) children. These differences highlight the real-world impact of income, environment, and access to healthy foods and safe spaces to play.
For Harris County families, it’s a reminder that community support and resources matter. No parent or child has to face these challenges alone.
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Small Steps Families Can Take
HCPH encourages families to focus on simple, everyday changes that can make a big difference:
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Move together: Aim for at least 60 minutes of active play most days—whether it’s riding bikes, dancing in the living room, or playing at the park.
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Eat colorful meals: Fill plates with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Swap out sodas for water or milk, and keep healthy snacks on hand.
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Unplug for a while: Try setting limits on TV and device time. Outdoor play not only keeps kids active but also helps with better sleep.
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Encourage, don’t compare: Focus on feeling strong and healthy rather than body size. Positive attitudes about food and activity go a long way.
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Prioritize rest: Kids need more sleep than adults, and being well-rested supports better moods, learning, and healthy growth.
HCPH Programs Helping Families All Year
Beyond awareness month, HCPH works throughout the year to give families the tools and guidance they need:
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Nutrition and Physical Activity Program (NPA): Offers fun, hands-on sessions for schools and community groups that teach kids and parents how to stay active and eat healthier. To schedule a session at your location, email nutritionPHS@phs.hctx.net or call 713-274-5711.
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Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP): Offers education and coaching to help individuals at risk build lasting healthy habits and lower their risk of type 2 diabetes. For more information, email dpp@phs.hctx.net or call 713-274-7167.
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WIC Program (Women, Infants, and Children): Provides nutrition support and education for pregnant and breastfeeding women, along with families with children under five. Visit hcphtx.org/WIC to learn more and see if your family qualifies.
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A Community Effort
HCPH’s message to families is simple: healthy changes don’t have to happen all at once. A little more movement here, a healthier meal there, and some extra sleep can all add up. When combined with local resources, those small steps can lead to brighter, healthier futures for Harris County kids.
For more information or to explore programs, visit hcphtx.org or call 832-927-7350.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.