The Obesity Action Coalition has available a free Understanding Childhood Obesity poster designed to provide individuals with a basic knowledge of childhood obesity, its effects, the health risks associated with it and much more. The poster also features a weight-for-age chart that allows child caregivers, teachers and parents to calculate a child’s percentile and determine if they are underweight, healthy weight, at risk of overweight or overweight.

The Coalition also provides an eight-page Understanding Childhood Obesity brochure which outlines causes of obesity--environment, nutrition, physical activity, hereditary and more. Both the poster and brochure can be downloaded from the Obesity Coalition website or can be ordered in print form.

The My Healthy Child 2007 Growth Calendar© by Healthy Child Publications includes a growth chart, spaces for noting height and weight, 12 healthy growth tips, and a 2007 calendar. The colorful Growth Calendar measures children 30-54 inches and can be hung on the wall to chart each child’s growth.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has a variety of resources, including a web page with information on weight and obesity. AAP has available brochures, fact sheets, and video tapes on topics such as Right from the Start, ABCs of Nutrition for Young Children, What’s to Eat? Healthy Foods for Young Children, and Bright Futures Family Nutrition Fact Sheets.

Max’s Magical Delivery: Fit for Kids interactive DVD (video) helps childcare programs and families with information on eating five fruits and vegetables a day and fun ways to be physically active inside and outside. There is a separate section for parents on small, achievable steps they can take to encourage these healthy habits in their children and themselves.

In response to the growing epidemic of childhood obesity in this country, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) worked in partnership with Discovery Networks, U.S., to develop the video for children and families.

Max’s Magical Delivery, Fit for Kids Video, order online, www.ahrq.gov/child/dvdobesity.htm or by telephone, 800-358-9295.

My Healthy Child 2007 Growth Calendar©, Healthy Child Publications, PO Box 624, Harbor Springs, MI 49740; 877-258-6178; www.healthychild.net

Obesity Action Coalition, 4511 N. Aimes Ave. Ste. 250, Tampa, FL 33614; 800-717-3117; www.obesityaction.org