Created: 4/29/2009 7:50:42 AM 
JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Call the kids brave crusaders. How many young people are strong enough to talk about weight issues and encourage other overweight kids?
Well, click on the video and meet some local children learning how to make key changes to avoid obesity.
They're learning smart strategies at Nemours Children's Clinic.
Some have already lost weight. But they're not doing a crazy diet. They're switching, for example, low-fat cottage cheese for fatty sour cream.
Some have even discovered they like broccoli!
The message is if you give children a chance to learn themselves how to read labels, sample foods besides Pop Tarts, and get excited about their own progress, they become "captains" of their own health.
After all, they have years ahead to make good or bad decisions.
This story is part of "Fight the Couch," our station commitment to tackle childhood obesity.
"Kick It Up First Coast" is the long-term initiative for both children and adult.
©2009 First Coast News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten, or redistributed.
