Recent studies have shown that children today are not expected to outlive their parents. "Because...individuals are reaching a higher prevalence of obesity earlier in the life course, they are experiencing a greater cumulative exposure to excess weight over their lifetime, which will likely have profound implications for future rates of obesity-related chronic diseases and mortality within the US population."Unhealthy lifestyles are the main contributing factor of this disturbing trend. According to the CDC, obesity rates in children and adolescents have tripled since 1980. With one-third of adults and seventeen percent of children and adolescents qualifying as obese, the financial cost is incredible. As of 2008, $147 billion was spent on medical care costs due to obesity. The Naturopathic Advocacy and Community Awareness Team (N- ACT) has created the 1st Annual Tempe Family Fun Run & Walk on May 12th 2012, as a way to generate positive change in the health of Arizona families and reverse this disturbing trend.

The kick-off of our event will be a 5K through the beautiful Kiwanis Park in Tempe at 8:30a. All ages and abilities are encouraged to attend. Participants can either run or walk the 5K, or both! All registered participants will receive a Tempe Family Fun Run & Walk t-shirt as well as a goody bag. A health fair will immediately follow the 5K with Tempe Mayor, Hugh Hallman, as our Guest of Honor. Types of vendors at the health fair will include: naturopathic doctors, acupuncturists, massage therapists, active lifestyle childrens groups, fitness experts, nutritionists, and other health-related businesses! Additionally, food vendors will offer healthier options, such as gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and vegetarian food to introduce families to healthier and delicious choices. Finally, to make this event more fun for everyone, we will be having various forms of entertainment, child- and adult-oriented, as well as numerous raffle prizes.

Early runner registration (until April 21st) for individuals is $15. Groups of 4 are $40. Additional runners for groups larger then 4 are $5 each. Children 2 and under are free. In addition, the health fair is free to attend. Please visit our website www.tempefamilyfunrun.com to register today! Join us for a little run and tons of fun, while creating healthy families one by one.