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Elgin community to get moving at 5K Walk/Run

Nearly one in three children in America is overweight or obese, increasing their risk for asthma, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep problems, depression, and bullying.

Some of the contributing factors are decreased exercise, large portion sizes, too much refined foods, not enough whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and the inability for low-income families to access healthy foods.

First lady Michelle Obama launched "Let's Move" in February 2010 to help solve the problem of childhood obesity within a generation, so that kids born today reach adulthood at a healthy weight. More than 50 community organizations and faith communities have joined together in supporting this national initiative to fight the epidemic of childhood obesity by setting aside "Let's Move! Day."

On Sunday, Oct. 2, the Elgin community is planning its second annual 5K Walk/Run, with a portion of the proceeds going to "Making Kane County Fit For Kids."

Did you know that there have been more than 712 students identified as living in a homeless situation so far this school year in Elgin Area School District U-46? That number will most likely grow to almost 1,000 by the end of the school year.

Project Access through U-46 was set up to provide educational stability and remove barriers so all students have every opportunity for educational success.

By its own words, the program "strives to keep the students in one school, and offer any and every educational support it can." Students are eligible to receive assistance with free lunch/fee waivers, participation in sports, preschool programs, special education programs, school supplies, uniforms, gym shoes, personal care items, coats, boots, tutoring, transportation to stay at their school of origin if they move outside the schools attendance area, and various other needs. But this program will not succeed without the communities support. Proceeds from the run also will go to support "Project Access."

The day will begin at 7:50 a.m. with a 100-meter Kids Fun Run, followed by a 5K walk/run. The event will begin and end in Festival Park with a post-race party, awards, health fair, food and exercise demonstrations, health screenings and consultations.

Find out more about the event and register by going to letsmoveelgin.com.

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