Bend Program Aims to Head Off Obesity Early

Startling new numbers released by the state of Oregon shows obesity among adults is on the rise — and a program for Bend-area children is aiming to tackle that issue on the younger end of the spectrum.

From 1990 to 2009, the number of obese adults in the state grew by 121 percent.

The report released by the Oregon Health Authority shows 60 percent of adults are overweight or obese. That’s nearly 1.8 million people.

“These are trends that have been moving upwards over the past couple of decades, and it’s very concerning,” said Sue Jorgenson of Bend Park and Rec.

With the noticeable change in our appearance, Jorgenson has set out to make a change.

She works for Prescription to Thrive, a new program that helps connect kids to the outdoors and many recreational opportunities in Bend.

“Not only will we get the child moving now,” said Jorgenson, “it creates enough of an interest to that it becomes a life-ong desire for the child to keep moving or stay engaged in physical activity.”

When a physician spots signs that a child may be on track to becoming obese, they can prescribe the program to the parents.

The child’s doctor then sends the information to Prescription to Thrive, and they meet with the family to find activities the child may be interested in trying.

“We would love to see them engage with family activities,” said Jorgenson. “A lot of those things are walking the trails and or exploring the parks we have in the community.”

For more information about the Prescription to Thrive program, call Bend Park and Rec at 541-389-7275.