First Lady Michelle Obama brought her signature message about reducing childhood obesity to New Orleans. The First Lady also mentioned immigration and health care matters occupying her husband’s agenda.
Mrs. Obama was keynote speaker at the close of the National Council of La Raza annual conference.
At the start of her remarks, she told members of the Latino civil rights organization that President Obama needs their support on immigration and health care changes.
“I know these debates are hard," she said, "particularly on immigration but do not give up because I promise you my husband won’t give up until a good bill is on his desk.”
She then turned to health care.
She noted that Latino communities are especially at risk, with 40 percent of their children overweight or obese.
“While food might be love, the truth is that we are loving ourselves and our kids to death.”
Mrs. Obama says compounding the problem is the lack of outdoor activities in areas where crime restricts children to stay inside.
She commended efforts to refurbish playgrounds, and suggested using power as consumers to demand healthier foods at stores and restaurants.
“We don’t have to completely deprive ourselves to maintain a healthy lifestyle," she said. "Instead, it’s about striving for balance and moderation.”
Mrs. Obama said preventative care is also key, with regular checkups.
She says the goal of the president’s health care plan is to make sure people have insurance so they get the care need to get – and stay -- healthy.