Build healthy habits during Childhood Obesity Awareness Month with the 5-2-1-0 Challenge
New school year offers families an opportunity to establish healthy routines
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:August 24, 2026
LAS VEGAS –The Southern Nevada Health District is encouraging families to make healthy choices part of their routines during the new school year by taking the 5-2-1-0 Challenge during Childhood Obesity Awareness Month in September.
Led by the Health District’s Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion in cooperation with Partners for a Healthy Nevada Coalition, the 5-2-1-0 Challenge promotes four simple daily habits that can help children grow up healthier while reducing their risk of obesity and other chronic diseases.
The 5-2-1-0 Challenge encourages families to strive for:
- 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day
- 2 hours or less of recreational screen time each day
- 1 hour of physical activity each day
- 0 sugary drinks—choose water instead
The beginning of a new school year is an ideal time to establish healthy routines. Packing nutritious lunches, encouraging active play after school, and choosing water instead of sugary drinks are small steps that can make a meaningful difference over time.
In Nevada, nearly 1 in 3 kindergartners enters school either overweight or living with obesity. In Clark County, approximately 1 in 6 high school students has obesity, underscoring the importance of helping children develop healthy habits early in life.
Nationally, about 1 in 5 children and adolescents (21.1%) has obesity. Children living with obesity are more likely to develop serious health conditions later in life, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
Childhood obesity affects some communities more than others. Nationally, obesity prevalence is highest among Hispanic children (26.2%) and non-Hispanic Black children (24.8%), compared with non-Hispanic White children (16.6%) and non-Hispanic Asian children (9.0%). Many factors influence these disparities, including differences in access to nutritious foods, opportunities for physical activity, housing stability, and quality education.
“The new school year gives families a fresh opportunity to create healthy routines,” said Dr. Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer for the Southern Nevada Health District. “The 5-2-1-0 Challenge reminds us that small, consistent choices can make a lasting difference. Eating more fruits and vegetables, staying active, limiting screen time, and choosing water are simple habits that can help children stay healthy today and throughout their lives.”
Throughout September, the Health District and its community partners will offer resources and activities to help families put the 5-2-1-0 Challenge into action. The campaign emphasizes that healthy living is a family effort and that small daily choices can lead to lifelong benefits.
Families can find free tools, activities and wellness resources by visiting GetHealthyClarkCounty.org and VivaSaludable.org, or by calling (702) 759-1270.
The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.