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Blue Door Neighborhood CenterSM Educates Communities About Childhood Obesity

Posted September 1, 2021

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 5 (19%) of children in the U.S. has obesity.1 During September – National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month we want to work with you to help educate the community about this serious health condition.

This month, our Blue Door Neighborhood Center (BDNCSM) locations in Chicago’s Morgan Park, Pullman and South Lawndale communities are providing programming aimed at fighting obesity – free to all community members.

General programs offered throughout September include:

  • Let’s Get Moving! – Physical activity opportunities 
  • Rethink Your Drink – Education on sugary beverages
  • Nutrition Education – Featuring veggie taste tests

We’re also offering some programs on specific dates, as noted below.

Jumpstart Your Heart, Friday, September 24 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. – A fun-filled event to coincide with the American Heart Association (AHA) Heart Walk. Highlights include:

  • AHA Heart Walk – when registering, tell patients to join the Blue Door Neighborhood Center team
  • Games and activities
  • Food and music
  • Chef demonstrations
  • Health and wellness giveaways
  • Community resources
  •  

Farmer’s Markets

  • South Lawndale: Thursday, September 9 from 1 to 3 p.m.
  • Pullman: Monday, September 13 from noon to 2 p.m.
  • Morgan Park: Thursday, September 16 from noon to 2 p.m.

The BDNC in South Lawndale is hosting a family-centered block party on Saturday, September 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This outdoor event will feature:

  • Food and treats
  • School supplies (first come, first served while supplies last)
  • 40+ Double Dutch teams
  • Low-impact fitness demos and activities for the entire family
  • Community resource fair
  • Farmer’s market
  • Cooking demonstrations

These are just a few of the programs we’ll offer at our BDNC sites in September. The BDNC locations also offer health education and connections to social support services. 

All programming – in person and virtual – at BDNC locations is free and open to BCBSIL members and non-members. Encourage your patients to visit the BDNC Facebook page  for other events and happenings at all three locations. If you or your patients have questions, email the BDNC or call 773-253-0900.

1 CDC, September is National Childhood Obesity Month, Aug. 13, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/features/childhood-obesity/index.html

The above material is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the independent medical judgment of a physician or other health care provider. Physicians and other health care providers are encouraged to use their own medical judgment based upon all available information and the condition of the patient in determining the appropriate course of treatment. References to third party sources or organizations are not a representation, warranty or endorsement of such organizations. Any questions regarding those organizations should be addressed to them directly. The fact that a service or treatment is described in this material is not a guarantee that the service or treatment is a covered benefit and members should refer to their certificate of coverage for more details, including benefits, limitations and exclusions. Regardless of benefits, the final decision about any service or treatment is between the member and their health care provider.

BDNC locations are not medical facilities, do not have medical providers on staff, do not offer medical advice, and do not provide health care or mental health services.