2006 Summit Summary

View photos from the 2006 Summit.

The 3rd Action on Obesity (AOO) Summit, June 8 and 9, hosted by Mayo Clinic, benefited from the representation of approximately 70 city, county, state, and national organizations (that represent the four levels of intervention). The theme of the summit was "Curbing Childhood Obesity." The summit is the annual pinnacle for the work of the AOO task force, and provides an opportunity to showcase improvements in the nutrition and physical activity of children at each level of intervention.

The event featured keynote speakers (Joe Swedberg, Hormel; Florine Mark, Weight Watchers; Dr. Lisa Klesges, Mayo Clinic; Zenobia Barlow, Center for Ecoliteracy, Berkely, California; Dr. Judith Young, AAPHERD; Dr. Edward Laskowski, Mayo Clinic); and a "Marketing the Right Message to Kids" panel, chaired by Chris Gade. Panel members Dr. Jennifer Kotler from Sesame Workshop, John Haugen from General Mills, and Alison Kretser from the Grocery Manufacturers Association, discussed the challenges of getting the right information to children and their parents.

The AOO Summit Reception was highlighted by a "Kids and Chefs Cooking Competition," guided by chef Thomas Hoffman from Sodexho and Jennifer Nelson from the Department of Dietetics, in which several Rochester area students learned how to cook healthy and fun foods with Sodexho chefs. Their food creations were served at the reception.

Finally, we were fortunate to have Rochester Mayor Ardell Brede lead the "Kids Walk the Talk" event. YMCA summer camp children showcased several activities that are fun, inclusive, and contribute to energy expenditure, and were graded by summit attendees.

The success of the AOO task force as an agent of change and improvements in nutrition and physical activity is a result of caring, commitment and collaboration. The AOO Task Force has made a commitment to join about 30 state and national organizations in the Action on Obesity Coalition, which will address issues crucial to the health of children in our community and around the world. "It is better to light one small candle than to curse the darkness."

View the video Kids and Chefs (uses Windows Media Player).