It is a silent epidemic spreading across the Americas. It is insidious and devastation, and their victims are our children.
What is this? Obesity. In 1974, only four percent of American children were considered obese. Today, about 30 percent of children are overweight and 15 percent are obese, and nearly twice the statistics in certain ethnic groups such as African American, Hispanic and Native Americans. This epidemic has not been reversed, although we all know about good nutrition and the benefits of exercise.
If childhood obesity continues to increase, it could be at least two to five years from the average life span and could cause our current generation of children to be the first in American history to live shorter lives than their parents.
Medical problems that doctors once saw mainly in adults age 50 or older are now striking much younger age groups, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke and arthritis.
As a pediatrician, I feel most likely reason that obesity is an epidemic among Americans, because we have the majority of our efforts on the wrong population adults. It seems that once an adult shows bad habits, they are very difficult habit to break.
The key to good nutrition and a healthier way of life is to make healthy habits at a young age. If we are in relation to this and develop good habits early on the opportunity to reduce the morbidity and mortality, the future is amazing.
One obvious solution was to try to make our kids outdoors, away from the computer, away from the TV and video games, and try to them about healthy eating habits.
Teaching healthy behaviors at a young age is important because change is difficult with age. Behaviors, physical activity and nutrition are the cornerstone of preventing obesity in children and adolescents. Family is the most important element of the basis for this behavior.
studies show how our children are being fed wrong-with too much fat and sugar and too little fruit and vegetables. Too many children grow up, that French fries are a staple food in the vegetable family.
A national survey of parents indicated that almost 70 percent want their children to good nutrition and eating habits. However, only 40 percent said they have succeeded in this field of education. Why the discrepancy?
Most parents do not practice what they preach. Only 51 percent of parents and the rate of exercise physically fit than absolutely impress on their children. In addition, more than nine out of ten parents say they let their children eat junk food. It is important to remember that there are healthy alternatives for almost all children favorite food.
The parents are the most important role models for children. It is important that the whole family in meal planning, exercise and family outings. The participation of the whole family will ensure that all are motivated to get fit and healthy.
Get your children to exercise at least three times per week 60 minutes per day. It must not for one hour session, in fact, it is much easier to him in six meetings ten o'clock-15 o'clock minutes.
If we want our children to be healthy, we must set the standard for a good diet and eating habits. There is no better time than in early childhood, to a lifelong commitment. They will be with your children the gift of a longer and healthier lives.
Here are some helpful tips:
? Plan your family meals. By planning your meals, you can always what your family is eating and the desire to eat between meals.
? Never skip a meal. Skipping meals will cause your metabolism slows down, missing important nutrients in the day, and most likely to cause your child to over-compensation by the consumption of empty calories.
? Do the fruits, vegetables, protein, grain, dairy and nut requirement every day. This is your child is happy and he will be less likely to empty calorie junk foods.
? Avoid fried foods. Foods that are Saut? ED, baked, grilled, fried, boiled or grilled.
? No canned meat. Most preserved meats contain nitrites converted in our bodies to a carcinogen (cancer-causing agent). These include foods commonly available in the color pink, like Bologna, salami, pepperoni, hot dogs, corn beef and Pastrami.
? No soda, juice drinks or sweetened beverages. Have your children drink mostly water, but also skim or low-fat milk, fresh fruit juices and fresh vegetable juices.
? Exercise daily. Studies have shown that children aged 2 years should be 60 minutes of exercise in their daily regime.
? Involve the whole family. Parents should be mentors to their children and a healthy lifestyle for all to observe.
The Dos and don'ts of healthy eating
Thursday Plan your meals a week, so you are able to track what you eat.
Thursday foods that the whole family is comfortable with.
eat fruit, vegetables, protein, grains, nuts and milk daily. This will keep your kids full and less likely to foods with empty calories.
include the whole family in meal planning, exercise and family outings.
not completely eliminate the food children are used to eating. Instead, try a healthy version.
DON'Texpect the Children to Participate in a good diet and exercise without parents good role models.
Do not rely on gym class or sports team participation to teach your children life-long physical inactivity. Children must learn to exercise without being part of a sports team and in the habit, an exercise routine.
Long Island, New York-based Mary Ellen Renna, M.D., is a partner in the pediatric practice of Renna, Sachse and Shapiro in Woodbury, NY. For information on Dr. Renna's nutrition and fitness program go to http://www.Nextgenfit.com
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