Childhood obesity is a concern among Florida counties. The latest evaluation of children's well-being by the Florida Policy Institute indicates notable advancements in child welfare throughout the state. St. Johns County, located near Jacksonville, secured the top position in the 2023 Child Well-Being Index, showcasing positive developments in economic well-being, education, health, and community factors.

However, amid the overall progress, a significant concern has surfaced – childhood obesity. The index, assessing counties based on economic well-being, education, health, and community parameters, highlights childhood obesity as a critical issue. Norin Dollard, the director of Kids Count, underscores the prevalence of this problem, attributing it to factors such as the scarcity of high-quality, accessible food in urban and rural areas, leading to a more sedentary lifestyle.

Childhood Obesity Remains A Challenge

While the state has witnessed improvements in various aspects, including reduced child poverty, decreased substance use among high school students, and improved graduation rates, childhood obesity remains a challenge. Dollard emphasizes that the purpose of the index is not to foster competition among counties but to prompt introspection. Counties are encouraged to evaluate their rankings and assess their investments in children and communities, considering whether these investments are adequate or if there are opportunities to allocate more resources.

Disparities As A Contributing Factor

Disparities between rural and urban areas are evident in the rankings, with DeSoto County emerging as one of the lowest-ranked overall. Dollard explains that the county's rural nature constrains its tax base, impacting the level of investments compared to more affluent counties like Sarasota.

Affordability of child care is a common issue affecting multiple counties. Pinellas County, for instance, faces challenges, with households spending over 23% of their monthly income on child care, resulting in a poor ranking in terms of affordability. Despite this, Dollard acknowledges the state's efforts but emphasizes the need to address the substantial gap between families able to afford quality child care and those facing challenges.

As Dollard suggests, individuals are encouraged to check their county's rankings and express their concerns to decision-makers, such as school boards or the Legislature, to drive positive change.

About Orlando Medical News

Orlando Medical News is the number one news source for medical-related content in Central Florida. Through twenty years of service, we’ve cultivated a strong audience of dedicated healthcare professionals. Orlando Medical News is your source for the best medical news in Central Florida and your trusted advertising platform which reaches far into the medical community of Central Florida healthcare professionals.