Obesity in Kids, A Modern Problem

I recently attended a career progression course on childhood obesity, and some of the information was quite shocking.

We need to seriously look at this problem, as a society, together, and sort it out.

My worry is that if we don't all take responsibility for this problem, the future of the next generation, and ones after that is very bleak.

In fact it will come to a point where parents will out live their offspring!

Speaking as a father, and a human, this cannot be allowed to happen.

It amazes me that we really concentrate on academic subjects at school like maths and science, which we should by the way, but not to the complete detriment and ignorance of other aspects of life.

It's no good being potentially the greatest scientist on the planet and not reaching the age of 30 because of a metabolic disease?!

We should also have a big emphasis on cooking, and teaching kids and their guardians about food and ingredients. What to look out for, and things to avoid.

We need to be overhauling the whole system in my opinion from the top down.

It starts with the information we receive from the government regarding their guidelines on healthy diet and eating patterns which should be changed.

Advertising is a major problem, especially when they are targeted at children. They have a lot to answer for. I know they have a job to do for big conglomerates but maybe they should take a good hard look at themselves with regard to their products.

Again this can be changed by government guidelines on advertising and hitting the big corporations hard, but I'm afraid money is the root of the evil there.

You will notice that most foods aimed at children are full of artificial rubbish and sugar to improve taste, even down to the labelled 'health cereals'.

The packaging is bright and colourful and very attractive and appealing; very clever. They always mention the good stuff in the product, and seem to disregard all the nasty elements that are hampering our kids health.

The other problem of course is convincing our kids to play the latest computer game and therefore halting exercise in favour of the screen entertainment.

All these things add up to a massive problem that is then transferred to the next generation.

For example, I make a concerted effort to take part in physical play with my son. If he sees me lazing around all day playing computer games, guess what, he'll be doing the same.

I got my 21 month old copying me performing burpees the other day, and he was in stitches, (as was I).

He always uses me as a climbing frame too, he is very active naturally, but he also wants to copy daddy.

There must be a direct correlation between a child's exercise patterns and their parents activity levels.

It's the same too for food choices. Mummy and daddy are eating their vegetables, so am I. Mummy and daddy are eating pizza and chips, why do they expect me not to and have vegetables?!

Trouble being that this situation will only escalate. Unless we all stand together and do something about it.

Bottom line, we need to make change for the sake of all of our future.

Keep clean, stay lean.

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The Popular and Not-So Popular Reasons for Childhood Obesity

The Current Scenario:

During the period 1944 and 1988, a study by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), shows that about 10% of children are obese. But by the end of the 21st century's first decade, the period between 2007 and 2008, the percentage increases by 7% I.e. 17% of children are obese. At present 2014 there are an estimated 30% of obese children worldwide and this is increasing at an alarming rate.

The Reasons:

Most Popular Reasons for being Obese:

Obesity is fast becoming an epidemic due to a total lack of physical activities. Extremely poor diet and too much time spent on the computer, video games iPads and watching TV. One sure fact is that in the supposed third world countries where once malnutrition was a problem, since the fast food chains opened up obesity has grown at an alarming rate. The sedentary type life style has become so clear around the world and with the bad food choices now been made by parents and children it is no wonder we have such an explosion in childhood obesity.

Not so Popular Reasons:

Parents are so busy with their life styles they forget that they are responsible for their children's growth and well been. Too often children are left alone to fend for themselves due to the many existing pressures the parents are under, like two jobs to pay the mortgage, pay the car and pay the bills and so on. Children in all honesty are NOT geared up to look after themselves. They will become depressed because there is no mum or dad guiding them or showing them love, care, dedication and helping them with day-to-day difficulties which they may experience. When children feel depressed they will eat and watch TV or computer, they will be sitting on their back side and not getting any physical work out by swimming, walking, cycling or playing games and just doing physical play elements. No walking to school. School meals leave a lot to be desired. Most schools are trying to improve their meals with nutritional foods but have a long way to go yet.

Conclusion:

The prevention of childhood obesity is thus a matter of family care. A child will grow healthy if they have a healthy family lifestyle. It is very clear how to help your children from becoming obese and that is limit the sitting time for watching TV, computer games and any other elements which lead to sitting. Your children need regular exercise at least 20 minutes per day. Get active together if possible. Doing things together is much easier than asking your children to do it on their own. By doing these items you will help your children to grow into healthy humans and avoid the high associated risks of being obese. It is now a proven point that obesity leads to deafness, diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, sleep apnea,skin conditions, early puberty in girls, delayed puberty in boys, orthopedic strains and fractures, heart disease, hypertension and many more conditions.

Oliver Brendan Greene was diagnosed with obesity about eight years ago after fighting a weight issue for more than fifteen years.His weight issues began when he became a little overweight, but thought it was nothing too serious. He later became fat and this deteriorated into clinical obesity.

Highly recommend for every parents reading my book Fighting Childhood Obesity. Available on Amazon and can be ordered via my web site http://www.the-menace-of-obesity.com/

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The Number One Cure for Childhood Obesity

It is no secret that childhood obesity is fast becoming an epidemic. Last estimated by statistics Canada in 2011; 1.6 million children were overweight or obese. When obesity levels rise, our children face a sick future. Chronic yet very preventable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer and Type 2 diabetes are increasingly becoming an everyday reality.

Self-sacrificing parents spend their precious time packing healthy lunches for kids while feeling too pressed for time to cook for themselves. Whilst they encourage participation in fun fitness activities for their kids, the parents themselves wait in the bleachers, sit on the sidelines, and prove that, for adults, a sedentary lifestyle is the norm.

Every aspect of a child's personality is heavily influenced by what he or she sees and experiences from an early age. Eating and exercising habits are no different. That is why there is only one true cure for childhood obesity. Parents must lead by example and get fit and get healthy with their kids.

The Journal of The American Medical Association demonstrated that parents that were reinforced to take part in a child's healthy weight loss by following the same exercise, the same behaviour and the same nutrition changes as their children had kids that lost more weight compared to children that were reinforced to eat healthy and exercise without parent involvement (up to 11.2%). The most encouraging aspect of the study showed that the parent/child group kept the weight off for up to 10 years (Epstein, Valoski, & Wing, 1990). In other words, when both children and parents actively changed their unhealthy lifestyle, children lost weight and kept if off, thus reducing the risks of long-term health issues associated with childhood obesity.

Parents who join family exercise such as going on family bike rides, playing tag or jumping rope together, create warm family memories that make fitness a fun way of life instead of an adult chore that might be pushed aside. Nowadays, more and more exercises are designed to encourage family unity while getting fit. A perfect example is the growing number of family fun runs. Both children and parents can take part in small 1 or 5 kilometre runs or walks. Holiday themes make these events especially exciting for children while involving parents in the "learn to run" process too.

When it comes to nutrition, feeding healthy meals to kids is not enough. Children should be actively involved in helping their parents find healthy and delicious recipes. Kids can help in the kitchen with the cooking process and watch as their parents enjoy the same nutritious meals that they do. If possible, dinners should be spent with the family at home. Direct discussions about weight loss should be avoided, yet both parents and kids can openly discuss the health benefits of their favorite foods.

The important thing to remember is that your children are watching you. By showing your kids that you too lead a healthy and fit lifestyle, parents have the power to shape the lifelong healthy habits of their children. They can conquer childhood obesity and give their children the vibrant future they deserve.

Sources:

Epstein, L. H., Valoski, A., & Wing, R. R. (1990). http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-003-x/2012003/article/11706-eng.htm. The Journal of the american medical association, 2519-2523.

Alicia Jones is a fitness expert and the owner of the mobile fitness company Destination Fit. She has successfully transformed many families towards a healthier happier life. For more information on Alicia visit: http://www.destinationfittraining.ca/alicia-jones/

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Not Everybody Is A Winner and That's The Way It Should Be

Competition is a normal part of life. Organized sports are everywhere, but I feel they've gotten out of hand. They seem to be more for the parents these days than the kids. We've lost touch with why we started these games in the first place. Remember the movie Sandlot? That is the type of game kids want to be a part of. Not the crazy screaming coaches and psycho parents game that leaves the kids feeling like crap!

Kids are supposed to be kids. I feel kids should be involved in some type of sport, organized or not. We have an obesity problem in this country. We need to fight back against obesity and it's our job as parents to make the first move.

You can do things right in your own backyard like running races, that will get your kids up off the coach and active. You can teach your kids how to be competitive right in your backyard. A little competition is good for kids. We've done too much hand holding with our kids.

We don't need to scream and put them down, but we do need to teach them that in life there will be a winner and a loser. It's OK. They'll get over it. You also don't always need a damn trophy because you LOST! That's for the winner! We need to teach our kids that there will always be somebody better than us at something! It keeps the kids from getting too big of a head. We have a lot of kids with 'big heads' in the world these days!

I remember when we'd have racing games all summer long with the neighbor's. You'd have thought we were playing for a million dollars, the way we played sometimes. There wasn't any prize money we just loved to play. These days kids don't move unless they're going to get something for it! That's really sad.

My kids love to race each other. We have races running, hopping, skipping, running backwards, jumping rope, dribbling a ball, riding big wheels (very funny when the older kids have to ride them), cartwheels, hopping, sack races and anything else that we can come up with as we are playing.

Racing games are a great way to exercise and get the family spending time together. Sometimes we use them as who gets to pick what we eat for supper that night or have for a snack. I've also used it as a tool to see who picks up the dog poop in the yard! (Boy, do they run when I use that one!) The ideas are endless as to what you can do.

We have an obesity problem in America and it's our job as parents to do something about it. Whether it's an organized sport or sack races in the backyard, get your kids moving. Remember, if we continue on this same path of 'everybody is a winner no matter what', the lazy kids won't ever try to win because they know the payout is the same no matter what.

If you are as passionate about kids having fun the old fashioned way, please visit me over at funwithfive.com

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School Districts Banning Birthday Celebrations - A Bad Idea That Won't Work

I hate being one of those crotchety old people who hears a story, shakes his head in disgust, and says, "When I was a kid... "

Yet, I find myself in that position (hopefully I am not crotchety however).

"When I was a kid... " I don't remember parents bringing birthday cakes or cupcakes to classrooms. I just don't think it was done way back then; maybe they melted on the stagecoach ride over. Who knows? Yet, times change and it appears to be standard operating behavior for parents to do so nowadays - that is, unless you reside in Northern Kentucky.

Burlington Elementary School in the Bluegrass State revised its wellness policy.

The end result is a ban on food for school birthday celebrations. We're not just talking about cakes; rather - in the interest of promoting healthier food choices - ALL other snacks are now verboten. Non-food "treats" such as pencils, balloons, erasers and book-marks are suggested. ("Happy birthday Johnny, now blow out your bookmark!")

The intention is laudable; they're actually doing some-thing to combat the ever-burgeoning obesity crisis and attempting to shift the focus of celebrations away from food. Good on them for that. And there are indeed health concerns involving food allergies; not to mention, I imagine it's purt' near impossible to school a child redlining on a sugar buzz.

Yet I have concerns.

Boone County is in the forefront of this brave new no-sugar-for-you world, but they do not stand isolated. The Edmonds School District near Seattle will soon be doing the same thing to promote healthy eating and food safety also. Some schools are providing gift pencils, origami frogs, and extra recess time instead of sugary goodies.

Though birthday treats are off the table (quite literally), the ban is not without exception. Their wellness guide states "food may be served at three classroom celebrations (such as seasonal, cultural or curriculum related) per classroom per year."

DJ Jakala, spokeswoman for the District, points out, "We're not just talking about one cupcake a year, we're talking about 25 cupcakes a year."

Before I mount my soapbox, let me again give props for the objectives of both districts (and I imagine more to follow). The goal of decreasing the amount of sugar consumed by children (let alone adults) is admirable, even necessary. Yet, as they say, "The road to Hell is paved with good intentions."

Let's take a step back and look at this objectively. Having a cupcake on 25 different days of the year is NOT causing childhood obesity. It's what's happening the other 340 days of the year.

Substituting birthday cupcakes with paper frogs is sending the wrong message; labeling some foods as "bad" and others as "good." Whereby there is a nugget of truth there, I have worked with people los-ing weight (myself included) for over 40 years and learned a thing or two about a thing or two about such classifications. When one describes eat-ing choices as "black and white" and eventually slips up (which we all do), he or she transfers the label - and a dose of shame - to herself. I've heard more times than one can shake a calorie at, "I was really bad. I ate some cake (or ice cream or chips)." He or she is not "bad;" he or she make a mistake. "Bad" cannot be corrected; mistakes can.

We might argue it would be great if we could just ban sugar, but it ain't gonna happen. So instead of shame-basing foods, we are now provided a great opportunity to teach what makes for healthier choices and what does not. When empowered with such knowledge and a better decision is made by choice, rather than edict, it sticks, eventually becoming a life-style, lasting far into the future.

The better approach here is more education, which I believe is what schools can do so well.

Scott "Q" Marcus is a motivational weight loss expert who specializes on helping baby boomers live happier, healthier lives. He is a professional speaker, Syndicated Columnist, and the CRP (Chief Recovering Perfectionist) of ThisTimeIMeanIt.com, a site for people who are tired of making promises to themselves but are willing to do what it takes to actually makes changes. In addition, he conducts speeches, workshops, and presentations throughout the country on how to achieve goals, improve attitude, and enjoy the process. You can contact him for speaking, coaching or consulting, or you can sign up for his free weekly "Monday Motivational Memo" at http://www.thistimeimeanit.com/

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Are You A Role Model For Your Children?

Parents and Guardians

Do you ever ask yourself; am I a good role model for my children?

Do I teach them the valuable lessons of how to be fit and how to lead a healthy lifestyle?

If the answer is NO then start by looking in the mirror. Your child looks up to you so if you aren't fit and healthy then your child may think they don't have to bother either.

If the answer is YES then you no doubt look after yourself and want to pass this on to your children so they can live the healthy life that you live and that they deserve.

Don't be the in between parent. By this I mean don't teach your children how to be fit and healthy but sit on the couch all day yourself stuffing your face with crisps. This can be confusing to the child and give them a sense of choice, 'yes I can be fit but yes I can just grow up to be like mammy and daddy eating junk cause they seem fine'.

What your children aren't seeing are your insides clogging up and health issues raising left right and centre. They don't see that their lives could be at stake if they don't keep fit and healthy. So, be the YES parent and take these next few steps to get your family in to fit shape.

1) If you, the parent, aren't in the best shape then start to educate yourself with the basics. Start by exercising a few times a week and start to trade some of the rubbish foods in your cupboard for healthier alternatives.

2) Educate your children as you are educating yourself, why not learn the basics together as a family, maybe even make games up to make it more fun.

3) Stop taking easy way outs when feeding your children, it's always easy just to throw them some chips and a micro pizza yet you say you want them to grow in to healthy young adults right? Make more home made meals and give your children a range of foods so that their range of taste doesn't just narrow down to chicken dippers and turkey dinosaurs.

4) It's hard these days to pull the youngsters away from the games console but who's really to blame? I mean you did buy it...
Start by only allowing your child so long on the console and get them to do some physical activity. This could be sending them out with friends to play or get them in to a local sport.

5) Lastly, make the change together. There's nothing stronger than a family bond, get out for walks, get down the local playing field and retain fitness and good health together.

So what are you waiting for? There are no excuses not to have a healthy lifestyle for you or your children so start in the kitchen, throw out the junk then get your trainers on and get out there with the kids and make sure that they grow in to healthy young adults.

For more health and fitness tips go to http://www.definitionfitnessonline.co.uk/ Start your health and fitness adventure with DFO.

Make 'YOU' The Definition Of Fitness

Personal Trainer - Tom Davies

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Toxic Treats: Our Children Are Paying the Price

We have all done it, but it's not our fault, it's just the way we have been trained, it's what we're used to. We give treats as a reward for doing well or as incentive to do better and work harder. Schools pass out candy as a reward, we give treats to pacify our kids, we treat ourselves by choosing the drive-through or popping a package in the microwave for dinner rather than taking the time to prepare a home cooked meal. We have been establishing the connection that toxic treats are associated with something that is good for you because it is given when something good has been achieved.

And why wouldn't we do this? The USDA, FDA, advertising executives and food manufacturers are telling us these treats are good for us. After all, they are saying it with big, bold, colorful characters and celebrities. They are telling us they have added fiber and vitamins, they are gluten free, sugar free or fat free, they are made from 'natural' ingredients; they help our children grow strong and healthy. Of course we believe it, these people wouldn't intentionally be promoting things that are bad for us; would they? All of these claims are for marketing purposes, yes they may be true but the process to achieve them is to manipulate the ingredients to such a significant degree they no longer have any nutritional value at all, they provide a negative effect.

McDonald's, Taco Bell and other fast foods are routinely given as a treat. This only reinforces the perception of it being good or even food, however you look at it. As our children grow and begin experiencing the stresses of life they look for ways to deal with that stress and what better way than to give yourself a treat. Treating ourselves often works; this is not a bad idea at all, it's the form of treat we are choosing that is the bad idea. If we had been taught to go for a walk, play a game, have some quiet time, garden or cook and given some strawberries, a cup of blueberries or a handful of almonds instead of a pile of fries, candy or a popsicle; the adults of today would not be facing an epidemic of obesity, diabetes, depression, etc.

I wish I had known all that I know now back when my children were young. Their treats would be completely different today. They would provide actual health benefits, be packed with nutrition and not causing them harm. I remember taking my son to the doctor when he was in preschool due to disruptive behavior in the classroom. The doctor told me I could try changing his diet or put him on medication. I did not want to give him medication (actually narcotics), he was just too young. I also dismissed changing his diet because I felt it would be too difficult but also did not believe it would make a difference, I couldn't see any sense in the idea. Anyway, it was so convenient to feed him processed and fast foods, sugary cereals, crackers and fruit flavored drinks. My 'logical reasoning' was that I was a single mother and it would be too much work. I did eventually choose the route of narcotic medication, I still regret this decision today.

I had a recent experience in the grocery store with a family member. A camping trip had been planned and treats for the children were being purchased; all of which were loaded with refined sugars, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, hydrogenated fats, soy, synthetic food dyes, sodium, hormones, antibiotics and genetically modified ingredients. I was not making these purchases myself but I was along for the trip. As I watched the cart fill up, my disgust and rage with these items began growing out of control, I had to walk away as I felt about to explode. Unfortunately, I was not able to make any difference in the purchases and I felt awful about it. I hope this information will help you to make better choices for your children.

The following list of negative effects is usually associated with seniors, not children, but today there has been a dramatic increase in children suffering as well. Health issues from processed food ingredients:

• Refined sugars and HFCS (high fructose corn syrup) - kidney problems, obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, joint pain and inflammation, cell die-off degrades DNA and RNA, cancer, compromised immune system (Dr. Gary Null; Sugar: Killing us Sweetly)

• Artificial sweeteners - desensitized sweetness receptors causing increasing need for more sweetness and intense cravings, kidney problems, obesity, diabetes, cancer, compromised immune system (Rebecca J. Brown, Mary Ann De Banate, and Kristina I. Rother; Artificial Sweeteners: A Systemic Review of Metabolic Effects in Youth)

• Hydrogenated fats - high cholesterol, reduces the body's natural anti-inflammatory response, stunts the growth of vital organs and the brain (Dr. Barry Sears; Facts About Hydrogenated Fats and Oils), compromised immune system, diabetes, reduces the absorption of necessary nutrients, intense cravings

• Soy - thyroid disorders, endocrine and hormone disruption, fertility problems, digestive issues, cancer, brain damage, kidney stones, malnutrition (Dr. Joseph Mercola; The Dark Side of Soy)

• Synthetic food dyes - ADHD and behavioral issues, cancer, neurotoxin, bladder and thyroid tumors (Dr. Joseph Mercola; Are You and Your Family Eating Toxic Food Dyes? and Center for Science in Public Interest; Food Dyes - A Rainbow of Risks)

• Sodium - high quality, unprocessed salt has many health benefits; but highly degraded and processed salt is added excessively to processed foods creating intense cravings for more and more processed foods

• Hormones - increased risk of cancers, weight gain due to increased cortisol production causing the body to hold onto fat and distribute it around the organs, boys with moobs (Dr. Andrew Weil, MD)

• Antibiotics - the amount of antibiotics consumed in foods made from food producing animals is causing strains of resistant bacteria, thereby making it difficult to effectively treat an illness that would benefit from them. More frequent and increased doses are required in order to achieve results. This increased use is killing off the healthy bacteria our bodies need to maintain our immune system. (CDC, Antibiotic use in Food Producing Animals)

• GMO's - liver damage, endocrine disruption, fertility issues, DNA changes, auto-immune disease, kidney disease, food allergies (Jeffery Smith; Responsibletechnology.org: GE Foods May Cause Rising Food Allergies)

Why do we consider feeding our children poison and toxins a treat? Why do we not see the beautiful and truly natural sweetness of a strawberry or the nutrition packed energy of a cucumber as a reward? How did it become so turned around that we view nutrition and health as low man on the totem pole? Ease and convenience are now our number one concern. Our children are paying a very high price for this.

The incidences of chronic illnesses in young children has sky rocketed over the last couple of decades.

For the first time ever the life expectancy of today's children is expected to be less than the life expectancy of their parents. 1 in 3 children born in 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime. Cancer is the leading cause of death in children over 15, 50% of Americans are expected to contract cancer. Childhood obesity has tripled in the last 25 years. There have been dramatic increases in allergies, asthma, fatty liver disease (non alcohol related), ADHD and Autism. As of 2012 the life expectancy at birth of US children ranked 50th overall in the world. (CIA World Factbook)

US food companies add 15 million pounds of synthetic food dyes to the foods they produce. Approximately 80% of all antibiotics produced are used in meat and poultry production. That means the remaining 20% is used for the treatment of humans. US agriculture uses and estimated 1.2 billion pounds of herbicides and pesticides per year. Commercially produced seed companies control approximately 90% of our food supply and Monsanto and Dupont are the largest producers.

Profits are the only concern for the vast majority of food manufacturers. The health of our children doesn't even rate a blip on their radar, at least in an impactful way. The only concern is that we are fooled into believing they care and the food is good for them. The FDA has approved all of the ingredients used to manufacture, process, cultivate and grow the food we eat. This has led to the misconception it must be healthy.

The amount of marketing dollars spent to entice our children with these products is astounding. It's no wonder there are temper tantrums in the grocery aisles when we say no to sugary cereals. I dare you to find a child who has never heard of a fruit roll-up, yogurt or juice pouch, fruit loops or lucky charms, gummi worms, lunchable or snackable; the list of negative foods is huge. It's criminal how these toxic treats are being marketed to our children who do not know any better. It's our duty as parents to educate them, teach them the best choices for a healthy life now and into the future.

You can make nutritional changes in your home by making it fun for your children, including them in the preparation of food and choosing whole, unprocessed foods as treats; preferably organic to avoid pesticides and fertilizers. Help them to grow fruits and vegetables, children love to eat what they have tended. Become active in your child's school to change the foods served and the rewards given for a job well done. There are so many wonderful programs to help jumpstart the changes in your children's school: Farm to School, Food Corps, Lunchbox, Saladbars2schools, just to name a few.

Take charge now, start giving them the healthy childhood they deserve and teaching them the impactful lessons they can take into adulthood for a very long and healthy life. They can break the cycle with their own children one day and create a generation of health.

I can help you to make these changes and provide you with the education and answers to all the confusing information so you too can make the best choices for your children, your family and your health. Contact me at Nourishyourhealthylife@gmail.com or visit my website at http://www.nourishyourhealthylife.com/

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