First lady at N.J. school to fight obesity

NEWARK, N.J., Nov. 18 (UPI) -- First Lady Michelle Obama visited a Newark, N.J., school Thursday to promote her Let's Move! program to combat childhood obesity.

At the Maple Avenue School, which serves 500 children from pre-kindergarten to eighth grade, Obama participated in a group discussion with four Newark public school pupils and two high school students.

Obama picked Maple Avenue because the school runs a number of healthy lifestyle programs for students, a pool report said. They include farmers markets, dance classes, in-class vegetable gardens and a weight loss challenge akin to "The Biggest Loser."

Newark Mayor Cory Booker joined Obama for the discussion. The first lady praised Booker as a local leader in her national effort to promote healthy lifestyles among the nation's youth.

Obama said Booker is a "shining example" of someone who understands that it takes parents, teachers, school workers and young people to fight obesity.

"It takes the energy and ideas of young people," Obama said. "You guys are leaders in your own communities and in your schools. With some small, modest ideas, you can make changes where you live."