Providing students with the tools to succeed in and out of the classroom certainly remains my top priority. Most of us would agree that the answers to some of today's most complex questions will undoubtedly come from the young minds of our children - healthy children.

Studies show that key to a child's successful growth and development, especially in the classroom, is maintaining a healthy body weight. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the prevalence of obesity among school-aged children has more than tripled in the last 20 years and the numbers continue to rise. Childhood obesity, an issue that ranks as one of our nation's leading child health concerns, is also a serious issue for our region and community. It is a difficult subject to discuss, but one that must be addressed.

Recently, in my capacity as chairman of the Human Services and Public Safety Committee of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, I hosted and moderated just such a conversation. "Addressing Youth Obesity and Its Impact on Success in Our Schools" was a forum featuring regional leaders and subject matter experts, addressing the effects of childhood obesity on student achievement.

The multijurisdictional discussion, which included local and state elected officials, and representatives from Prince George's, Montgomery, Fairfax and Arlington counties and the District of Columbia, presented an important opportunity to work together on a critical issue impacting student success. We shared regional best practices and focused on the development of new policies and practices that could help promote student and community wellness.

One thing became clear in our discussion: There is a role for each of us to play in addressing the overall concern of wellness in the classroom and in our communities. Panel participants talked about the adoption of standards for food served in our schools; increasing the amount of physical activity that takes place during the school day; obesity trends, and creating more livable, walkable communities by incorporating measures in land use proposals that encourage and enhance exercise.

Focal points that serve as a hub for community activity and engagement, and the adoption of land use proposals that make allowances for pedestrian options such as new sidewalks that encourage walking, are some of the ways that Bowie can make great strides in this area.

We are moving in the right direction. The Library Trail Connector will connect the new South Bowie Library to the community with a walking path over Collington Branch Stream Valley Park. By making access to our public facilities more convenient, families will have the option of walking instead of driving.

A loop track is also being designed for the Heather Hills Elementary School playground area. This will provide a great place for children and parents to play and get active even after the school day has ended.

As your council member, I continue to work collaboratively throughout the county and the region, to identify areas for improvement in the area of land use and the integration of land-use options that promote healthy living, and I am continuing my advocacy on your behalf for federal, state and local funding for walkable communities that provide students with safe foot travel to and from school.

The ultimate goal is to work together to develop community support for policy initiatives that promote healthier lifestyles, especially among our young people. I welcome your input and thank you for making Prince George's County a wonderful place to live, work and play.

Always working hard for you!

---

The writer is Prince George's County Council member for District 4.