The Knox County Health Department and Knox County Schools Coordinated School Health Program are removing all barriers to encourage parents, grandparents and caregivers of children to attend a seminar on keeping kids healthy and physically fit. "A Healthy Weigh to Go: Encouraging Youth to Eat Right and Move More" will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 10, in the KCHD auditorium on Dameron Avenue. The one-hour seminar is offered at 9 a.m. and again at 6 p.m. to accommodate busy schedules. This free seminar is open to the public and will include door prizes, giveaways and light refreshments. Child care will be provided for children ages two and over. Parking is convenient and free. Please call 215-5170 to register. 
 
"Being a happy, healthy kid is every child's birthright," said Cheryl Hill, nutritionist with KCHD's Healthy Weight program. "A Healthy Weigh to Go is all about giving adults fun, practical tools and resources to help their children lead strong and healthy lives." 
 
This seminar will inform parents on ways in which they can create a healthy home environment, and how to incorporate adequate amounts of fun physical activity into family routines. Those attending will receive a reusable grocery bag containing a pedometer and jump rope. At each session, everyone is entered in a prize drawing for a $100 gift card.
 
"Nearly 40 percent of Knox County students are overweight or obese," said Aneisa McDonald, Coordinated School Health Specialist for Knox County Schools. "Overweight and obese children are more likely to have serious medical problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure. No child's future should be limited by poor health, especially when it's preventable. That's why A Healthy Weigh to Go is so important." 
 
Knox County Health Department is committed to promoting public health policies and practices to safeguard and improve quality of life for all residents. KCHD offers an array of resources, including medical and dental services, family planning, disease surveillance and control, emergency preparedness, air quality management, environmental services, food preparation oversight in public places, smoking cessation, family violence prevention, worksite wellness, nutritional programs and much more. For more information about Knox County Health Department, visit www.knoxcounty.org/health.