Inspiring Action Through Powerful Thoughts

Childhood obesity is a national epidemic and central Ohio is no exception. In fact, research shows that 25 percent of Franklin County children are overweight compared to the national average of 16 percent. When the American Heart Association teamed up with United Way of Central Ohio to address the issue, Fahlgren jumped at the chance to take on this controversial campaign.

To raise awareness about childhood obesity, Fahlgren’s campaign tugged at the heart strings of central Ohio parents. Rather than preaching the negative side effects of obesity in children, the campaign was blunt, to the point and matter of fact.

During the campaign the American Heart Association’s call center had a 55 percent increase in phone calls and the Web site, www.helpstopobesity.org, had a 200 percent increase in unique visitors.