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 Decisions, decisions ... You may already know that overweight kids are more likely to develop risk factors associated with high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as Type 2 diabetes. But some other factors may surprise you. Obesity can cause kids to develop some health problems usually associated with adults: joint and bone abnormalities, insomnia, bowing of the legs, breast cancer and tooth decay. The sheer size of this problem has garnered attention on the national level. Last March, the Senate unveiled the Healthy, Hunger-Free Act of 2010. First Lady Michelle Obama made it a key awareness issue and started a national campaign called “Let’s Move!” to emphasize the importance of physical activity. She also hosted a high-level summit attended by senior administration officials. The U.S. Senate recently addressed legislation to bolster the nutritional value of school lunches, including alerts on contaminated food and new standards for the food available in vending machines. The media are also ramping up efforts that encourage good eating, with TV shows such as “Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution” and books such as Weight Watchers’ “Eat! Move! Play! – A Parent’s Guide to Raising Healthy Happy Kids.” Close to home, Huntington Beach-based pediatrician Dr. Patricia Riba established the Orange County Children’s Wellness Program, which offers individualized nutrition and weight-management plans, and also deals with lifestyle and psychological issues. “Some of it may seem like common sense,” says Riba, “but we’re constantly surprised by how many well-meaning parents do things they genuinely do not realize can harm their children. It’s all about education. For example, many parents are shocked to find that chocolate milk, sports drinks, 100 percent juice and even flavored yogurt are unhealthy options.”  So what can you do to prevent obesity and learn healthy eating and exercise habits that will last a lifetime? Here are some pointers made by the National Institutes of Health:> Children grow at different rates and at different times, so it’s not so easy to determine if your child is overweight. Consult with your health-care provider or a child psychologist. > Do not put your child on a diet unless told to do so. If kids don’t eat enough, they may not grow and learn at a normal rate. > Plan regular physical activity as a family. > Tell your children that they are loved. Children’s feelings about themselves are often based on how they think their parents feel about them. > Accept your child’s weight. A child’s self esteem may improve knowing that his parents accept him. > Listen to your child’s concerns. > Kids need at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day, but this does not have to happen all at once. Don’t use food as a reward when encouraging kids to eat healthy. Promising dessert in exchange for eating vegetables sends a message that veggies are less valuable than dessert. And don’t get discouraged if your child won’t eat a new food the first time it’s served. Some kids need to be served a new food 10 times or more before they will eat it. Start with small portions. “This is a very common problem and a hard struggle,” says Newport Beach-based pediatric endocrinologist Dr. William Holm. “The most important thing is for the family to work together. I’ve seen success with two approaches: First, parents should keep a food journal and write down what and how much kids eat. Another useful resource is to join a support group.” Finally, remember that eating healthy foods, while necessary for good health, should also be fun, relaxing and even creative. Each family member can do his or her part: designing recipes, shopping, and preparing and cooking meals together. If you are a parent dealing with your child’s obesity, the good news is there is a fantastic database of resources and help available; and it’s growing all the time. The key is to recruit the entire family as a team – and know that perseverance counts. EAT WELL! “Helping Your Child: Tips for Parents” is a brochure that provides in-depth information about healthy eating and physical activity. Call toll-free: 1.877.946.4627 The Weight-control Information Network (WIN) is a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. win@info.niddk.nih.gov Also, check out the following websites for a ton of helpful information: • fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov • kidnetic.com • bam.gov • mypyramid.gov • verbnow.com • kidshealth.org |
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