This is just a small section of the infographic designed by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies which highlights national overweight and obesity statistics, and provides insights to behaviors which put people at risk.

As the infographic shows, 1 out of every 3 children are overweight or obese, and the numbers rise to 2 out of every 3 for adults. A shocking 21% of all medical spending is for obesity-related illnesses, and businesses estimate $4.3 billion in annual losses due to obesity-related job absenteeism.

Fortunately, as the chart shows the obesity epidemic is conquerable and provides 5 solutions for changing local communities to help stop and reverse overweight and obesity-related lifestyle habits.

The United Way network is involved in improving health and helping reverse the area’s overweight and obesity problem. Partner programs and agencies encourage youth exercise and adult physical activity. Check out the infographic for the warning behaviors and if necessary, take action this weekend!

Mentoring youth and helping with education before scholastic “downward spirals” take place can mean the difference between succeeding in life or a life filled with bad choices.

Note: This story comes from Elaine Dalfen with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Memphis, part of United Way’s network of agencies and programs working to help children succeed and focusing on improving education. Names and images have been changed to protect privacy.

Sometimes asking for help makes all the difference in the world when someone is in need.

Meghan, a mother in her early 30s, was struggling to balance care for her three children: 13-year-old Michael, 12-year-old Marcus and 10-year-old Jennifer.

Each of the children had problems in school – but especially Marcus, who had already been suspended 17 times and was on a fast track to failing the seventh grade.

Marcus had been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). He was receiving failing marks at school and his behavior at home was getting worse due to growing frustration about his father’s incarceration. He was showing his displeasure through negative “acting out” and was expressing feelings of hopelessness about his own future.

Looking for help and support, Meghan contacted one of United Way’s network partner agencies that specializes in matching children with local volunteer mentors. A few weeks after the call, the agency contacted Meghan with the good news that a volunteer match was available.

Independent studies show that children facing adversity will often find educational success when matched with this agency’s mentoring program. When a child is helped with schoolwork during a time of potential failure and is able to learn the assigned material, this prevents the creation of a scholastic “downward spiral” that is all the harder to repair later in life.

“We work to help young people avoid choosing risky and delinquent behaviors. That was what Marcus was considering at the time.  We wanted to see him gain higher self-esteem and feel positive about his aspirations,” the counselor said.

Marcus was matched with his volunteer “big brother,” 58-year-old Ben. Ben, an executive with a local super market chain, had already raised three daughters and had served as a board member for the agency years ago. After weeks of consistent visits to the library, shared cultural experiences and time getting to know each other’s families and simple fun, the mentoring friendship impacted Marcus’ schoolwork, his outlook on his studies and goals in life.

“One year after their match began, Marcus’ current report card is proudly posted on the family’s refrigerator,” the counselor said.

“Instead of his old familiar string of F’s, he has one A, three Bs, one C and only one D grade. He’s on the right path and he knows he is capable of succeeding in school and staying out of trouble,” the counselor reports.

Your support of United Way helps agencies and programs like this one reach local youth during crisis points, making a tremendous difference and combating challenges before they become more difficult to address. United Way’s work in funding and aligning programs, agencies and collaborations helps multiply the impact your support makes on local education, financial stability and health issues for the Mid-South.

To learn more about how you can help mentor children in Tennessee, visit the Raise Your Hand Tennessee website here.

General Campaign Chairman Joe DiNicolantonio (Regions) welcomes the group to the morning training session

This morning’s campaign volunteer training session brought local volunteers and United Way staff together to learn more about sharing information and raising support during this year’s fundraising season.

General Campaign Chairman Joe DiNicolantonio (Regions) welcomed the group of community volunteer leaders, and thanked them for their willingness to serve our community as members of the fundraising team. DiNicolantonio also thanked the group for their time and financial support for United Way’s work to improve local education, financial stability and health.

Bryce Haugsdahl

United Way President Bryce Haugsdahl provided a short overview of United Way, which was followed by an explanation of United Way’s impact on community issues presented by Senior Vice President of Community Engagement and Alignment, Regina Walker.

Regina Walker

Senior Vice President of Fundraising Faye Carter led the group in an overview of key items related to discussions with CEOs and information related to proven fundraising practices that is provided by the United Way staff.

Faye Carter (standing, center-left) shares campaign details

The meeting featured a break-out session with volunteers and staff to discuss volunteer job descriptions, campaign timetables, organization charts, and other items used in the annual fundraising campaign.

Carter also reminded the group about the region-wide employee keyworker training session in August, and the official kickoff to the campaign during Day of Caring on September 14.

Stan Bell

Stan Bell, radio personality on V101.1 FM was the Keynote Speaker for the evening. Bell’s empowering speech addressed the importance of focusing on goals and achieving those aims “without excuses.”

Martha Perine-Beard, Chairman of the Board of Directors for United Way of the Mid-South

Youth United Way students were presented with service awards and 17 graduating seniors were recognized for their contribution to the program. A special award was presented to United Way Board Chairman Martha Perine Beard for her support of Youth United Way. Each year, Perine Beard hosts a Senior Luncheon at the Federal Reserve Bank for the program’s graduating seniors and Youth United Way’s student-led Executive Board.

The Youth United Way College Enrichment Scholarship (a one-time $2,000 award) was awarded to a pair of students who have already chosen their colleges. Kameron Curry will attend MTSU and Lynecia Christion will attend the University of Mississippi.

The evening also featured the first presentation of the Youth United Way Alumni Award, which was presented to Lyndon Baskin for his leadership of the program’s Alumni Committee.

The students filling the positions of Youth United Way Chairman and Co-Chairman were also announced, and Jared Moses (White Station) and Alese Taylor (Houston High) will both serve as Chairman, and Cole Ettingoff (MUS) and Romelia Crawford (Bolton High) will serve as Co-Chairs.

If you are interested in more information about the Youth United Way Leadership Program, contact Director Clint Anderson at 901.433.4327 or e-mail clint.anderson@uwmidsouth.org

Tim Deuitch

United Way of the Mid-South’s strategic plan facilitator had a very busy start this week.

Tim Deuitch, Senior Consultant with Strategic Enhancement Group, Inc. is helping our United Way through the process of examining our current work and learning what needs to be done to be even more effective in the future. Strategic Enhancement Group, Inc. has experience working with nonprofits (including several similarly sized United Way chapters) and for-profit organizations engaged in planning and adjusting to better meet changes in the business environment.

(From left) Deuitch, Martha Perine Beard, Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell, Bryce Haugsdahl

Deuitch, accompanied by United Way Board Chairman Martha Perine Beard, United Way President Bryce Haugsdahl, and United Way Senior Vice President of Community Engagement and Alignment Regina Walker, met with several individuals and groups on Monday. The group met with Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell, City of Memphis Chief Administrative Officer George Little, and Memphis City Councilman William Boyd.

(From Left) Regina Walker, Martha Perine Beard, Bryce Haugsdahl, City of Memphis CAO George Little, Tim Deuitch

Deuitch also met with a group of United Way senior level staff, several United Way Board members,  foundation representatives, nonprofit agency representatives and business leaders.

District 2 Memphis City Councilman William Boyd

The meetings were arranged so Deuitch could explain parts of United Way’s strategic planning process and learn more about the needs of our local community and how the evolving work of United Way can best address our region’s challenges. Future meetings with additional key individuals and groups are also scheduled this year.

United Way Board members John Balboni (Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, International Paper Co.) and Marianne Parrs (community volunteer – retired) lead our United Way’s strategic Plan process as Chairman and C0-Chair, respectively.

The Real Economic Impact Tour held discussions at United Way yesterday. The group discussed breaking down barriers to helping people with disabilities with economic issues related to becoming more self sufficient.

United Way of the Mid-South hosted the National Disability Institute’s Real Economic Impact Tour yesterday, with Earned Income Tax Credit Alliance (EITCA) volunteers and United Way staff sharing stories of success and identifying areas for future opportunity and change to better help people with disabilities.

The meeting is another example of United Way’s work to align itself and community partners around issues impacting local education, financial stability and health.

“What are the current barriers to tax services and asset development for persons with disabilities?” asked Yvonne Howard, one of the coordinators and a member of United Way staff, which started several rounds of discussion.

Part of the dialogue focused on using the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programs and Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) to break down barriers and help increase economic self sufficiency for persons with disabilities. The group also explored the best methods to engage and foster outreach to the disabled.

Discussions also centered on outreach strategies, financial education, and asset building for local people living with disabilities.

The National Disability Institute’s Real Economic Impact Tour is a national movement of more than 800 partners in 100 cities dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities and their families.

“We want to get the message out and determine how our organizations can be more involved and work together in the future,” Howard said.