Simple Steps to Prevent Childhood Obesity

There are simple factors in every parent's control that can reduce the chance of childhood obesity. In society today, approximately one in five children will be labeled as obese. Obesity is defined as an excess amount of body fat, measured as a percentage of total body weight. A child is considered obese when their body weight is 20% higher than the average weight of children of the same age. It is imperative that parents realize how their choices impact the chances of their children developing obesity.

The main contributing factors to childhood obesity are lack of physical activity and high calorie intake, as well as the variety of foods consumed. The recent emphasis on technology as well as convenience, high calorie meals have had a detrimental effect on child health. Furthermore, one of the worst physical effects of childhood obesity is the susceptibility to diseases such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and early onset of heart disease.

Obesity has negative effects on emotional health as well. Society today labels those that are obese as lazy or unmotivated. These stigmas contribute to the increasing onset of depression, anxiety, and low self esteem in children. These factors then affect the social health of children as well, as there can be a lack in the development of relationships and acceptance from their peers.

In this technological age, it is easy for children to develop a lack of physical activity. Both computer usages as well as the increase in video gaming systems are the major technological factors in childhood obesity. It is easy for parents to use these as ways to keep their children busy. While there have been recent advancements in gaming that involve total body interaction, the comparison of these games to actual physical activity such as sports or dancing shows a minimal amount of calories burned. The largest impact that parents can have on these factors is managing the amount of time spent on all screens within the home, forcing children to find alternative methods of entertainment.

Parents do have control over several factors that contribute to obesity. The eating habits of children can be controlled, as parents need to resist the urge to provide the quick, convenience meals such as fast food and high-calorie, low nutritional snacks. A higher consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains may reduce the risk of obesity in children. Parents should provide healthy beverages to their children as well, such as reduced sugar juices, skim milk, and water, as opposed to high sugar liquids such as carbonated soda pops and sugar-based beverage mixes.

Parents can also provide a variety of physical activities for youngsters. A creative mind can create unique activities that require participation and motion. Some examples of such activities are outdoor play, such as games like tag or hide and seeks, and indoor play such as fort-building, balloon play, or dancing to upbeat music.

A parents control over meal choices, activities, and daily routine may be the solution to the widespread childhood obesity seen within society today.

For more information and resources, please visit http://moms-probs-odds-and-jobs.blogspot.com/

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Steps That You Can Take to Help an Overweight Child

Today, it is a fact that the percentage of people in America who are overweight and those who are suffering from eating disorders is rapidly on the rise and the sad thing is that many of these people are our children. There are many parents who are totally shocked when they witness their children eating large amounts of food and when they begin to put on extra pounds, they put the hammer down on them to shed the excess weight. Most kids are naïve about the food choices that they make, so as a parent it is our responsibility to teach our children the importance of healthy eating instead of criticizing them about what they eat all of the time.

If you are the parent of an overweight child there is no need to panic because there are ways to encourage your child to lose those extra pounds while at the same time not getting into a confrontation with them all of the time.

The first thing that you need to remember is to choose your words carefully when you talk to your children about their eating habits as harsh words can often have long-term effects on your child's health. If you are constantly harping or nagging at them about their eating, this can cause them to suppress their emotions and keep them inside and this is not a good thing for their well-being. The best thing that you can do is to set a good example for them. If you want them to eat certain foods such as vegetables, make sure that you enjoy them also because it will be a lot easier to develop good eating habits in your children if you possess them yourself.

You need to keep in mind that your overall goal is not a strict diet, but a healthier lifestyle for your child. The key to success is to properly educate your child on healthy food choices and you do this by making smart food choices for yourself in front of your children. If your child constantly sees you scoffing up candy bars or eating a gallon of ice cream and then you scold them for having an extra piece of cake, they will become frustrated and may decide not to listen to your advice any longer. Make sure that you also teach them the importance of proper daily nutrition and the best time to do this is not at the dinner table where they may feel pressured, but at a place where they feel relaxed.

Do not force your child to exercise. Instead encourage them to participate in things with you know that you know they enjoy and this way you can get them moving. Invite them on a walk or challenge them to a one on one game of basketball or ask them to take a bike ride with you and these are all good forms of exercise. If your child is sensitive about showing their body, choose activities that avoid this.

Try to get your child involved with playing with other children in your neighborhood. This is difficult for some kids especially if they have been picked on by others because of their weight. Some kids are too embarrassed to play with other kids and this is a big issue for them and you need to be respectful of this. If they are able to play with others, this is a great way to build up their self-esteem and they will respect you for doing this.

Last of all make sure that you do not force your child to eat less because your child will not appreciate you constantly keeping at and hovering over them. There are a lot of children who turn to eating for comfort at a very young age and this is not a healthy thing for them. The key is to try to provide them with healthy alternatives that will be better for them. Instead of eating potato chips, offer them popcorn and when they are craving soda, offer them a fruit drink or smoothie.

Dealing with your child's weight problem will prove to be a challenge, but when you approach it in a friendly way, your child will be much more open to the idea and you can work together with them to hopefully solve the weight problem once and for all.

I hope that you enjoyed this article and if you would like some great free information on eating healthy, please visit my web site where you will find some great tips to help you live a long and healthy life.

I am a 54 year old retired mill worker from Northern Maine. I am happily married with 3 wonderful boys. My main interests are my family and God. I own a eating healthy web site with great tips and information that is designed to help you live a healthier and longer life.

http://eatinghealthyhub.com/

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3 Steps to Eradicating Childhood Obesity

How many of you were raised on Kool-aide, potato chips and marshmallow fluff? Was your lunch typically a fluffer nutter, a plate full of chips and some sugar laden, teeth reddening drink mix? Yes, I too was a baby boomer raised by parents who didn't know the nutritional difference between a salad and a chocolate bar. Parents fed their kids what was easy, convenient, branded and well liked. Nutritional value and healthy diets were foreign ideas during this time period.

However, now we have a choice and it's up to all of us to change the landscape! Why should we even care? During the past four decades, obesity rates have soared, increasing more than four-fold among children ages 6 to 11. Today, nearly a third of children and adolescents are overweight. That's more than 23 million kids and teenagers. Furthermore a study of more than 200 neighborhoods found 4 times as many supermarkets in white neighborhoods as in black neighborhoods. Communities with high levels of poverty are significantly less likely to have places where people can be physically active, such as parks, green spaces, and bike paths. If we don't act to reverse the childhood obesity epidemic, we're in danger of raising the first generation of American children who may live sicker and die younger than the generation before them.

1. Speak out locally ~ Effect change

The latest research shows that the environment we live in and the policies our leaders enact impact the foods our children eat and the activity they get. Healthy foods and beverages in school cafeterias and vending machines mean that students eat better. Parks and bike trails in neighborhoods and vigorous physical education programs in schools, equate to more active children. Supermarkets and farmers' markets that sell affordable healthy foods translate to families that eat more nutritiously. However when communities are dominated by fast food, with few places to play, our children eat worse and are less active, and their health suffers. And we all pay a price-in higher health care costs and lost economic productivity. Take the steps necessary to ensure healthy school cafeteria options as well as regular access to recess, play time and the gym.

2. Turn off the Telly!

Unhealthy products are heavily marketed to children, and research shows that exposure to food marketing messages increases children's obesity risk. The Rudd Center at Yale University released one of the most comprehensive analyses ever of the marketing of cereal to children. The 2009 report found that the least-healthy cereals are the ones most aggressively and frequently marketed to children of all ages, often in ways parents are less likely to see. Therefore the best way to reduce this risk factor is to limit exposure to these advertising messages. Don't let our kids be swayed toward unhealthy food choices.

3. Support Research Initiatives

Research adds to the evidence that gene variations may affect kids' weight. A study on this topic found variations that were exclusive to obese children across 2 ethnicities - European American and African Americans. Detecting these same differences in both groups, solely in the obese, strengthens the probability that they play a role in the development of obesity. While the findings don't help with diagnosis and treatment, they do add to evidence that genes contribute to childhood obesity. As a result it is necessary to support and fund these activities ensuring adequate detection and treatment when a child's DNA code predetermines obesity.

Childhood obesity is not only an epidemic, it may be an infectious disease transmitted by a common cold virus. A study found a link between obesity and a virus, providing evidence that diet and exercise are not the only issues affecting the obese. Previous research has shown that adenovirus 36, or AD-36, can infect fat cells. So far, no other type of virus has been shown to affect fat cells. Lab studies show that the infects fat cells and makes them grow more quickly. Researchers conducted a study involving 124 children. About half of the children were obese and half non-obese. Children who tested positive for AD-36 weighed about 50 pounds more than those who tested negative. Therefore, if a cause and effect relationship can be established it would have considerable implications for the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity. And the timing is right for adenovirus-36 to be one factor stimulating the obesity epidemic. The virus was first isolated in the late 1970s about the same time obesity rates began to climb.

The new study may encourage people to look to viruses as a factor contributing to obesity, especially in the developing world where television and computers aren't as prevalent but obesity rates are increasing as fast as in the United States. It gets hard to explain a population where more than 15 percent of children are obese, like Thailand, when fast food and inactivity are not the issues. This is a subject that concerns us all and this blog will be dissecting the causes and potential solutions to turn this epidemic around. Like minded individuals are sought to underline, highlight and advocate for eradicating obesity.

How do you think we should fight childhood obesity?

Donna Thomas is a mother of 3 and grandmother of 2. She is a coordinator for a Early Elementary Literacy Program and has worked in the public schools over 20 years. She is concerned for the health and well being of our children and invites you to pursue alternative healthy options for children's snacks.

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Small Steps To Make Kids Weight, Fitness And Health A Success Story

All of us want our kids and others' kids to be fit and healthy. We can take small steps to ensure that kids eat well, get enough exercise,and maintain proper body weight. Excessive weight and insufficient exercise are major problems for our young people, causing serious health, social, and personal development issues.

The solution sounds simple, yet many kids have compromised their health by being unfit, overweight, or obese. Studies show that overweight, unfit kids,are likely carry the problem into their adult lives with even more serious consequences.

First, the magnitude of the issue. More and more kids are becoming increasingly inactive. More are malnourished-they are not eating the right foods, and the results are readily observable. Excessive weight and obesity in America is correctly labeled as being epidemic. All you have to do is walk down any street, visit any school, attend any sports event or concert, or visit any food establishment, and you will be surrounded by it.

What brought it on?

There are many causes. Studies show that many kids spend as much as 6-7 hours per day watching TV, on the computer, or playing video games. This is their major form of entertainment. They are getting much less exercise than they need. In times past, much of this time was devoted to athletic games, exercise, being engaged in physically active events with other kids, or being physically active in some way. Now, to a large extent, it is electronic devices.

Fast food and sweetened colas are also big culprits. Such foods as french fries, calorie laden snacks and chips, fatty foods, and processed foods are far too common as regular food choices. Many more meals are eaten away from home and with that come those food choices that too often are convenient and tasty, but nutritionally deficient, or unhealthy.

What changes can be made to reverse the problem and to ensure that kids are fit and healthy rather than excessively heavy and obese?

Many changes can be made that are very practical and doable. Small, simple changes. It doesn't require a dramatic overhaul, or major,difficult changes to behaviors and practices. Rather, we can make a number of small changes that can have an enormous impact on kids fitness levels, their body weight, and their overall health.

The key is to get started.The pay-off will be well worth any effort and commitment made to accomplish the goals you have for your kids, and your own goals, as well. You will be well rewarded. It is also important to break it down so as not to be overwhelmed. Only take on what you think you can handle.You can add more later. Get Started!

What are some of the changes with which to start?

First off, remember that all the recommended changes are very doable for almost everyone. None requires dramatic changes. Rather a number of small changes is what works. This will ensure success and the success you desire for your kids. Taking action is the major change required. This is something that almost everyone can do, regardless of his or her current circumstances.

Here are some action steps that have worked well for many others:

Kids like sweetened colas, french fries, and other fast foods. There is no need to eliminate them. It is important that they are a "sometimes" part of their diets, rather than a regular, daily part of their food choices. It is also important to limit the intake of fatty foods, processed foods, and the use of condiments.

Condiments like ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise tend to be high in calories and have very low nutritional value. Use them sparingly. For instance, many people use ketchup on their french fries. This adds a tremendous number of empty calories to an already high calorie, high fat food. Try the fries without ketchup.

Know what is happening at your child's school. Learn what the menu is for the kid's meals at school. Make sure they are serving healthful, highly nutritional foods. Foods that are low in fats, high in nutrition. More fruits and vegetables, fewer processed foods.

Many kids need snacks to get them through their day. Make healthy snacks available. Encourage kids to choose healthy snacks when they are away from home.

And finally, make sure kids are getting regular, daily exercise. Biking, walking, running, team and individual sports, hiking, games, etc, are good activities.There are many others that will work. Do it with them when it makes sense. Adults that are in good shape and exercise consistently are excellent role models for kids. Proper diet and sufficient exercise are a must for kids to enjoy good fitness, healthy body weight and overall health.

Original article

Some Positive Steps To Take In Reducing Child Obesity

One of the major issues of this generation is childhood obesity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that 12.5 million children and adolescents between the ages of 2-19 are obese in the United States with this number being tripled since 1980. That is an alarming increase! This is not only a problem in the United States but it is now a worldwide epidemic.

What is causing obesity? Genetics can play a role but they certainly are not the only cause. I believe the real cause revolves around our lifestyles. I remember when I was much younger my mom was a housewife and my dad worked to support the family. She prepared all of the meals for my family. They were healthy meals consisting of various types of meat, vegetables, and salads. Now fast-forward 30 years and notice what is trending in society. Both parents are working and don't have any time to prepare a healthy meal for their children. What generally happens when both parents work full time? They stop at any of the local fast food restaurants to bring home supper for their children. One study reported that nearly one third of all children between the ages of 4-19 eat fast food every day. These foods generally are very high in sugar and fat. Can you just imagine if they super-size the meals?

I feel another reason for the high obesity rate is that we live in the video game generation and there is a tremendous lack of physical activity among young people. I remember when I was younger we were outside running around all the time. Even during the summer months my mother wanted us playing outside and not inside. Oddly enough this was when the Atari 2600 and 5200 were just becoming popular. We spent more time outside playing football, baseball, and basketball and really didn't care about playing video games all the time. I don't recall any of the kids in my neighborhood being obese. So eating fast foods high in fat and then having no physical activity on top of that is the perfect formula for weight gain. It's notable that organizations like the National Football League are encouraging kids to be more active with their Play60 campaign; play for one hour after school.

So now we have exposed the major issues that cause obesity. What can be done to alleviate this epidemic of child obesity? It will not happen overnight but if we implement the following methods it will be a great start.

Eat more fruits and vegetable rather than eating junk foods.
Stop drinking soft drinks that are sugar laden. Drink more water and low-fat milk.
Bake, broil, and steam your food instead of frying.
Never allow your children to skip breakfast; it is the most important meal of the day. Missing this meal will only cause them to eat larger portions during the day.
Sit at the table to eat. Eating elsewhere, like in front of the computer or the television, can lessen your awareness as to what you ate, causing you to possibly eat more than what is necessary.
Prepare a regular exercise routine and stick to it.
Limit the time spent doing sedentary things, like playing video games or being on the computer.
Parents, set the example for your children by eating correctly and exercising regularly.

It's true that child obesity is a worldwide epidemic but it doesn't have to remain that way. By implementing the aforementioned methods and by making a real and honest effort to make changes, your child will grow to live a very long and healthy life.

Michael has been working in the medical field as an EMT for the last 16 years and has been a consultant for the health and wellness firm, Immunotec, since October 2008. His goal is to educate you regarding ways to ensure that your health reaches an optimum level and it stays that way. If you would like to comment on this article and others like it please visit http://blog.the2in1initiative.com/. If you would like to learn more about or purchase some products mentioned in the article please visit http://www.betterhealthconsultants.com/.

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Keeping Kids Fit and Healthy - 4 Easy Beginner Steps

So, you're ready to make the commitment to raising fit kids, being a fit kid or being the fit parent. Then you must understand that the most direct route to success is to make small changes in your current lifestyle. Too many programs are designed with a lot of change and restrictions that only make you very unhappy, setting you up for failure because you won't be able to maintain that lifestyle.

Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on which way you look at it, habits only take a few weeks to form. I am a very habitual person so it is even quicker for me...that means it takes no time at all for me to firmly entrench a bad habit into my lifestyle. I concentrate on replacing old less healthy lifestyle habits with new, healthy choices so I do specific things in order to avoid failure.

I'm very human, and if there are treats in the house I will find them. So I don't have it in the house. If I bought a bag of chocolate chip cookies I would eat them by the row, so I don't buy them. I make a healthier version of my own, but if I didn't like to bake I wouldn't have them.

Many parents and caregivers put a lot of effort into their kids' healthy eating but not for them selves. What are you telling them...that you aren't important, or that different rules apply for adults? Think about it. Children learn what they live, and hear, and see and eat!

So my suggestion to you, if you are ready to make some changes in order to avoid the current childhood obesity epidemic, or just raise a fit family, is to make the first changes incremental. That way nobody goes into shock. It will take longer to see a difference in your bodies on the outside but you are moving from an unhealthy lifestyle to a healthy lifestyle, and we want it to stick. If you are an unfit parent you likely got that way slowly, one day at a time. Reversing the trend slowly will allow you to replace old habits with healthy new habits...and each one is going to take a couple of weeks to get firmly set. Here are some suggestions for you and your family. Pick one or two to start with and then add more as you feel confident and comfortable.

Swap sodas and excess caffeinated drinks with water. That goes for any juice you may drink outside of your meals or snacks. Even 100% juice can be naturally sugar laden and high in calories.
If you must drive your kids to school, park a couple of blocks away and walk in with them if they are young, drop them a couple of blocks away if they don't want to be seen with you. Unbelievable but it happens!
If you watch TV in the evening, make the commercials time when everyone must move.
Substitute sweet desserts with a small yogurt cup. Myself, I would choose to miss the dessert at dinnertime, because I'm not actually hungry after dinner, and have the yogurt and part of a piece of fruit part way through the evening.

Original article

Child Obesity And BMI, 4 Simple Steps To Help Him Lose Weight - Teach Him How To Diet

One-third to one-half of our children are considered overweight or obese. This is a very alarming statistic because of the implication regarding health. Children who are overweight typically have lower self-esteem than do their normal-weight peers. Further, the excess pounds may be harmful to their health now, and as adults since it has been amply demonstrated that obese children typically become obese adults.

The BMI (body mass index) is a tool commonly used in the evaluation of a child's weight by considering height and age. The BMI does not directly determine body fat but it is a reliable indicator of the likelihood of high body fat.

Once the BMI has been determined, it can be compared against norms for various age groups provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. This comparison will provide a "BMI percentile" which will place the child's weight in the range of:

• Underweight (less than 5th percentile)

• Healthy weight (5th to under 85th percentile)

• Overweight (85th to less than 95th percentile

• Obese (95th percentile and above)

If the BMI percentile indicates "Overweight" or "Obese", the physician will probably perform a more extensive exam to determine whether the BMI represents fat tissue or whether it is high because of the child's natural structural make-up. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that screening for weight issues begin at age two.

It is important that parents and guardians not make the mistake of applying data from adults to children on their own. The numbers are calculated the same way but the "rules for interpretation" are different in children. The weight and height of children is constantly changing and only a health care professional can determine whether or not the numbers are bad for your child.

If you have been told that your child is overweight or obese, there are 4 relatively simple steps you can take to help him or her back to the road of good health:

1. Provide healthy meals and snacks every day. Emphasize fruit and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat meats and reduced-fat dairy products.

2. Eliminate sugar-sweetened beverages.

3. Minimize "screen time"...that time which your child spends in front of the computer, TV, or other electronic devices.

4. Ensure that your child gets adequate physical exercise. Most children do not. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children get a minimum of 60 minutes exercise per day.

Good eating habits and adequate physical exercise are essential in order for your child to be healthy and to minimize the risk of disease and adult obesity.

Get them to stop drinking sugary pop today! That will improve BMI quickly.

By Sue Bristol, R.N.

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