Several times a year we profile a Houston celebrity and ask them to share their health and wellness tips. We recently had the opportunity to talk with former Houston Texans star and current The Amazing Race contestant Chester Pitts about healthy living, primarily for our youth and families to help beat childhood obesity.
Former Houston Texan Chester Pitts emcees at the 2013 Total Jingle Bell Run Kick-Off at Discovery Green.
Why is it important that you and others step out in front of an issue like childhood obesity?
Chester: It’s a problem; childhood obesity is recognized nationwide as one of the biggest problems in this country. There are 4 and 5 year old kids eating fast food a couple times a day. I understand the time constraints families go through and all of those issues, but you have to find a way to do the right thing and do right on behalf of your children. It is so important. It’s dragging the country down. I’m a firm believer in doing things the right way and doing the right things for kids.
What are some habits that we can teach our children?
Chester: You need to have a regimen and schedule. You have to do the same things each day from breakfast to school to exercise to homework to sleep. Everything can fit and everything can work if you take time to plan it out. Based on where you or your family is at physically, you will have a greater knowledge of when to spend more time exercising, studying, etc.
What kind of a message should we send to kids about staying healthy?
Chester: Find time to work out, find ways to eat healthier and search for different areas that you can improve on for your family’s health. I’ve lost a lot of weight since retiring, and it was a tough transition. It’s important to realize though, you’re not the only one working hard to make a difference in our country’s lifestyle. The sooner you start to make a change, the more likely you’ll be to inspire others around you to do the same.
Have you had any experiences with the YMCA?
Chester: I’ve known about the Y since I went to the Y as a kid. Actually at my charity, the Chester Pitts Charitable Foundation, we serve a good majority of kids and families that are members of the Y. The folks at the Y are good people, and the kids are great. We constantly try to work with them and reach out to them for different events with our foundation.
Join the effort to raise awareness and stop childhood obesity.
We want to give a big thank you to Chester Pitts for his continued partnerships with the YMCA through his foundation and most recently emceeing for the Total Jingle Bell Run Kick-Off at Discovery Green.
Total Jingle Bell Run
The 30th Annual Total Jingle Bell Run, benefiting the Tellepsen Family Downtown YMCA, is Sunday, December 15, 2013. Participants can choose from a 5-mile run, 3-mile run/walk, 3-mile family run/walk or kids fun run.
Click here for more information and to register for the Total Jingle Bell Run.
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