Oakland ~ Too much fast food and a lack of exercise for children ages 4 to 14 have health professionals worried about soaring rates of high blood pressure and diabetes among kids who are also overweight.

The problem is especially acute in the African-American community, where obesity is a growing concern because it can lead to other health problems later in life such as strokes, heart disease and cancer -- all of which already hit blacks disproportionately.

In response, the civic organization 100 Black Men of the Bay Area will host a free track meet from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Laney College Track, 900 Fallon St.

The event is named after Tommie Smith, who will attend the event. It is open to Bay Area children ages 4 to 14 who are invited to participate in various track and field events.

Other sponsors are the YMCA, California Health Care Foundation and the Alameda County Department of Public Health.

Smith, who won the gold medal in the 200 meters at the 1968 Summer Games in Mexico City, has been active in a 100 Black Men program called MOVE.

"Unless we attack the sedentary lifestyles among inner city youth, we will see more heart attack and strokes," said Dr. Ralph Peterson, an Oakland physician who chairs the health committee for 100 Black Men.

Peterson, who specializes in the treatment of diabetes and gastrointestinal medicine, called rates for diabetes and arthritis among 4- to 14-year-olds staggering. "Running has a direct impact because it eliminates key risk factors that lead to diabetes, such as headaches, depression and obesity," he said.

Dr. Mark Alexander, an epidemiologist with Kaiser Permanente's Division of Research, said "a healthy lifestyle is fundamental ... community leaders and stakeholders must create programs that reduce high risk health categories."

Alexander said the track meet might help close the gap created by a loss of programs because of state budget cuts. He also said the meet encourages bonding between coaches and children, promotes mentoring, team building and overall youth development.

Smith is best known for wearing black socks and black gloves to the 1968 Olympic victory stand, where he and fellow sprinter John Carlos raised clenched fists during the playing of the U.S. national anthem as a protest against racial discrimination back home.

The protest was organized by Harry Edwards, who later went on to become head of Oakland's parks and recreation department.

The Oakland Tribune: Cityside
Leanne McLaughlin, Managing Editor
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