The reasons for this are 1) more sedentary lifestyles, 2) availability of junk food, 3) marketing and advertising to eat all the wrong foods, 4)non-traditional eating habits, 5)access to healthy food choices, 6) and access to healthcare.
Obesity is a scary word and carries with it a great deal of preconceived notions and stereotypes. It conjures images of slovenly, overweight people gorging themselves at an all-you-can-eat buffet, and children teasing unmercifully, but obesity is much more than just being too overweight, or being made fun of. Obesity has become a worldwide epidemic and in no place more evident than right here in the United States.
What’s happened? Why are children as young as 10 years old showing signs of adult diseases such as diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure? Who is responsible for letting our children down by creating a lifestyle that perpetuates inactivity and poor nutrition? Aside from the serious health problems associated with overweight and obesity, it can generate a variety of psychological problems as well, especially in children. Obesity can cause low self-esteem, depression, eating disorders and distorted body image, even at very young ages. All of which can lead down a path of continued overeating and overindulgence, making it difficult to adopt the lifestyle changes necessary to lost the excess weight.
So who’s responsible for childhood obesity? WE ARE! It is OUR job as parents to teach our children solid values and with that comes personal responsibility. We place an emphasis on children behaving well and getting good grades, but what about teaching them the value of their health? It is our responsibility, collectively as parents, teachers, relatives and friends to teach our kids how to maintain a dedication to healthy living. If we don’t, our kid’s future does not look bright. Think about it…we do everything we can for our kids to give them a “leg up” in life, and all too often, healthy living is not a part of the leg up, and it should be. If our kids are healthy, it will overflow into everything else they do. If our children eat well and exercise daily, they will be better prepared mentally and physically to meet life head on and excel.
Government agencies are doing what they can to get programs in place to fight this epidemic. Unfortunately, it’s going to take a lot more than government changes to even scratch the surface of this growing concern. Why? Truthfully, the fundamentals of healthy living begin at home. Schools and communities have the potential to improve the health of young people – our children - by providing instruction, programs and services that promote lifelong physical activity and healthy eating.
If your child is overweight or at risk of becoming overweight and you want to take action, start with a visit to your child’s pediatrician – he or she can give you many of the tools you’ll need to help. If weight has become an issue for your child, it’s not too late to start working on healthy habits. Be a positive role model and set a good example.
While weight management is hard work, it is possible. Here are some tips to help keep your child from becoming overweight.
Limit intake of sweetened beverages
Offer water when children express thirst
Limit TV/video time to one or two hours a day
Encourage daily physical activity or active play
Provide appropriate portion sizes
Prepare and eat more meals at home
Create a healthy eating environment
Provide healthy snacks
Obesity is OUR problem. It affects every aspect of the person or child who is overweight or obese and can greatly decrease their quality of life. The good news is that there is hope! It’s important to get active, exercise and eat healthy. It begins with US.
For more information about programs on physical activity and good nutrition, please call Kathie Cox, Health Educator, at 910-277-2440.
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