The Centers for Disease Control estimates more than 15 percent of the nation's children and adolescents are obese. Who's to blame? Is it the parents? The schools? The fast food industry?
Many experts say that when we promote healthy eating habits in children we may be teaching the most important lesson they will ever learn. But does childhood obesity necessarily lead to adult obesity? What adult health problems are related to being overweight as a kid?
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This week on Florida Matters, WUSF's Carson Cooper poses these questions and more to our panel of experts:
Dr. Denise Edwards, childhood obesity specialist at the USF Pediatric Health Clinic
Dr. Peter Gorski, Director of Programs, Children's Board of Hillsborough County
Ms. Julie Hedine, Supervisor of Food and Nutrition with Pasco County Schools
Join WUSF's Carson Cooper for Florida Matters Friday evening at 6:30 pm, and Saturday at Noon, on WUSF 89.7, your NPR Station.
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Florida Matters is WUSF 89.7's forum that goes beyond the daily headlines and explores issues that matter to you and your community.
Florida Matters addresses critical issues identified by listeners in our Ascertainment Survey 2006. The top five issues that matter most to you are: education, transportation, growth management, environment and affordable housing. Hear directly from decision makers, experts and other concerned citizens. Our purpose is not only to stimulate conversation, but to advance the discussion.
Carson Cooper has been a favorite of listeners as Host of "Morning Edition" on WUSF 89.7 since 2000. He also reports for other WUSF 89.7 broadcasts. Carson has worked in Tampa Bay radio for more than two decades.
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The Centers for Disease Control estimates more than 15 percent of the nation's children and adolescents are obese. Who's to blame? Is it the parents? The schools? The fast food industry? 
