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During last July’s 5.8 earthquake, 3-year-old Bronwyn told her 1-year-old sister, “We’re going for a wiggle.” READ MORE
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Editor's Note: This is part of a yearlong series, Defy Diabetes. Each month in this column, OC Family Magazine offers parents information and ideas to help prevent diabetes from robbing their families of a healthy future. We've shared, in easy-to-understand terms, how this disease develops, which foods can help reduce risk and news on medical findings related to fighting this debilitating disease. Now predicted to impact as many as 1-in-3 children, the fight against diabetes is taking root in public service campaigns, in schools and, finally, among families. Amid the flurry of information, however, a critical fact remains. If you're overweight, you're at risk. If you glean nothing else from the barrage of news aimed at alerting you to the dangers of diabetes, know this: Obesity is the single-biggest risk factor related to type 2 diabetes. That said, your obligation as parents is to protect your family by making weight management a priority, right up there with music lessons and homework time. Simple changes in eating habits and exercise routines can save lives. As simplistic as that sounds, families still need guidance, motivation and inspiration to truly implement change. Several resources are available to help your family make lifestyle modifications that will lead to better health and prevent type 2 diabetes from striking. • Just for teens, a free book titled, "Body Pride - An Action Plan for Teens Seeking Self-Esteem and Building Better Bodies," is available through Lindora. The workbook includes a daily planner and helps teens define goals and take specific action to reach them. It goes beyond weight management and addresses other health-related subjects, directing readers to a path of wellness. To obtain a copy: 800.LINDORA. • The American Podiatric Medical Association (diabetes often leads to foot problems) has a special section on its website, www.apma.org, designed to educate children in a non-threatening way about diabetes. An interactive cartoon teaches them how a healthful walk after dinner and reducing sweets can mean a healthier future. For parents, www.KidsHealth.org, the largest web resource for medically reviewed pediatric information, offers extensive information and support for families trying to make lifestyle changes. The site suggests: Don't reward good behavior with sweets, don't maintain a clean-your-plate policy and don't eliminate all sweets. According to pediatrician Dr. Neil Izenberg, editor-in-chief of KidsHealth, "The key to keeping kids of all ages at a healthy weight is taking a whole-family approach." He adds, "Parents need to make eating and exercise a family affair and, of course, lead by example." |
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