LASOAR and the Increasing Threat of Childhood Obesity
Piney Woods Journal Submission 2017Childhood and adolescence obesity rates continue to rise nationwide, according to a recent report released by the Center for Disease Control. Despite many public health efforts to improve nutrition and physical activities, the percentage of obese children has more than tripled since the 1970s. One in five kids ages 6-11 and one in five adolescents ages 12-19 are not just overweight, they are considered obese by recognized health standards. Mississippi, Louisiana and other states in the Deep South are among those with much higher childhood obesity rates.
There are organizations and individuals in Louisiana that deserve credit for actively confronting this growing childhood health concern. One good example is LASOAR or the Louisiana Association of Sports, Outdoor Adventure and Recreation. LASOAR focuses on the poor exercise habits of many children and encourages them to try new and different types of physical activities.
Laura Palmer, CEO, and Hannah Mason co-founded this non-profit organization in 2016. Laura was previously a physical education teacher who grew up in Iota, and Hannah is a public relations consultant. They sought to make outdoor and exercise activities for children more accessible and affordable and to help establish a stronger connection between kids and the natural world.
Laura Palmer's degree and background are in exercise science, and she has earlier served as a strength and conditioning coach. She and her husband are Master Naturalists who enjoy kayaking and hiking in many of our state parks and wilderness areas. Currently Laura is LASOAR's only full-time employee and she directs the organization's neighborhood sports programs and visits to various outdoor adventure sites all over the state. Archery, swimming, paddling/kayaking, art and nature education are among the many activities that LASOAR provides. The organization has after-school activities several times each week at three neighborhood school locations in the Lafayette area. Lafayette is the initial hub city for LASOAR, but its expansion plans include at least one other hub location in north Louisiana.
LASOAR has received assistance for its programs from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and from private donors. Currently, Laura reports that she is trying to secure funding specifically for more binoculars and compasses for the kids interested in programs such as birding and orienteering. Their Saturday hikes in state parks and wilderness areas are guided by Laura and have a strong educational focus. At least one parent or guardian accompanies the child (ages 4-14) on these hikes and adventures. Parents often want their kids to have wonderful outdoor experiences, but many do not have the knowledge of the better places to visit and want the assurance of a trained guide on these outings. Cell phones and electronic devices stay in the pockets of guides and parents and do not disrupt the kids' exposure to nature. Hydration, sun protection, and planning for possible emergency needs mean that parents have fewer worries or concerns on these outings.
LASOAR communicates directly to local school officials concerning its activities and schedules as well as through flyers distributed at these schools and shared by students with their parents. Starting with 25 children initially, LASOAR has grown to having 600 children involved in the Lafayette area recently. More funding, primarily for more staffing needs, would allow LASOAR to initiate a second hub location, possibly in the Alexandria, Shreveport or Monroe area. You can visit the organization’s web site for more information on the mission, goals, activities, and leadership of LASOAR. Other long-established organizations are obviously working hard to address issues of childhood obesity and related challenges, but LASOAR certainly seems a worthy alternative for some parents and donors to consider.
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