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First Coast Connect

08/09/16: Childhood Obesity; Ambassador James Jeffrey; First Coast Connect Book Club

Childhood Obesity

It’s a new way to fight a serious public health problem in this country and on the First Coast: childhood obesity.

About 13 million kids and adults in this country are considered obese.

In Florida, there’s been a decrease in obesity among preschoolers.

But as kids prepare to head back to school this month many of them are, ironically, overweight but at the same time not getting access to enough healthy food like fresh produce.

Student leaders in Jacksonville’s I’m A Star Foundationhave been resolute in their quest to eradicate childhood obesity and make Jacksonville one of America’s top 10 healthiest cities.

We learn about their efforts from Betty Burney, former Duval County School Board member and founder of the I’m A Star Foundation, and Alexandria Perry, a 12th grade student who attends First Coast High School.

Ambassador James Jeffrey

On Monday, Jacksonville’s World Affairs Council hosted Ambassador James Jeffrey for a special sold-out gathering on diplomacy.

One of the nation's most senior diplomats, Ambassador Jeffrey has held a series of highly sensitive posts in Washington D.C. and abroad, including stints in Ankara, Turkey, and Baghdad.

He also served as assistant to the president and deputy national security advisor in the George W. Bush administration, with a special focus on Iran.

Ambassador Jeffrey joins us for a wide-ranging discussion about hot spots around the globe, and the vital role our nation’s diplomats play.

First Coast Connect Book Club

In this month's edition of the First Coast Connect Book Club, book blogger Stacey Goldringstops by with a discussion of famous diaries and journals.

Sean Birch joined the WJCT team in late 2011 and was with the company until 2016.