Childhood Obesity Is Everyones Problem

Reducing childhood obesity in the U.S. needs to be a #1 priority. Here are some ways you can help:

Parents: Set a good example. Instead of focusing on a diet for one child in the family, focus on improving the health of all family members by removing junk foods from the home, and preparing or purchasing meals that are low in fat and sugar. Serve lots of different varieties of fruits and vegetables; avoid frying food; purchase whole-grain breads and cereals; use fat-free milk for all family members over the age of 2. Restrict the amounts of meat, fish, chicken, eggs, beans and nuts to the serving sizes recommended by the USDA. The USDA website has information for all age groups and both genders, according to the amount of physical activity engaged in above your normal routine.

Limit TV and computer use to no more than 2 hours per day. Too much TV stifles a child's creativity, and keeps them from getting necessary daily exercise. The new USDA guidelines for exercise say that we need to exercise ½ hour a day for good health, 1 hour a day to maintain weight loss, and 1 ½ hours a day to lose weight. Since overweight children often avoid playing with other children because of the teasing and tormenting they receive, you may need to exercise with your child. Take nightly family walks or bike rides, shoot hoops, skate, dance, or let them help you wash the car, give the dog a bath; rake or weed the yard. Purchase an inexpensive pedometer for each family member, and have daily challenges to see who can take the most steps.

Schools: Replace junk foods and beverages in vending machines with healthier snacks, bottled water, and fat-free milk or fruit smoothies. Change cafeteria menus to include whole wheat bread, more salads, fresh fruit or fruit smoothies, and veggie pizzas. Limit French fries to one lunch per week. Stop serving sweets at class parties and offer fresh fruit or other healthy choices instead. Ask teachers to stop giving candy as rewards for good behavior or good work, and give stickers or other types of non-food recognition.

Medical Professionals: Counsel parents of overweight children, and give them positive suggestions for healthy weight loss. Find out what the child eats and drinks in a normal day, and suggest healthier alternatives. Recommend limiting TV and computer use to no more than 2 hours per day. Suggest exercise activities for the entire family. If parents are overweight, make sure they understand the health risks for themselves and their children. Don't accept the "we've tried everything to lose weight" excuse, but emphasize making healthy lifestyle changes instead of dieting.

Restaurants: Offer healthy choices, especially on children's menus. Reduce portion sizes for adults, and charge extra for larger portions, or make smaller portions available at reduced prices.

Advertisers: Stop targeting ads for junk foods to children. Advertise healthier choices such as whole-grain cereals, and foods that are low in sugar.

Community Leaders: Work to increase the number of exercise facilities and playgrounds in your community. The more choices available, the more children will be likely to find activities they enjoy. Ask sports professionals, dance instructors or other athletes to volunteer their time to teach children.

Media: Run feature stories about schools with successful changes in food or exercise programs, and families who have lost weight by making better choices of food and exercising together daily. Prove that weight loss need not involve temporary restrictive diets.

Let's work together to reduce childhood obesity and keep health care costs affordable!

Bev Grey is the author of the new book "The Project", and founder and president of Grandma's Healthy Kids Club, an in-home program to help children lose weight safely. Visit the website at http://www.grandmashealthykidsclub.com

---

Lasting Weight Loss: No Discipline Required

"I'd love to lose weight, but I don't have the... Read More

Gastric Bypass Surgery - Just The Facts

Gastric Bypass surgery is becoming increasingly more popular for the... Read More

The Fail-Safe Weight Loss Formula

Yes Virginia, the fail-safe weight loss formula exists.It's so simple,... Read More

Diet Scams : How to Avoid Getting Ripped Off

Have you ever received those tempting ads that seem to... Read More

Understand the Science of Obesity And Youre On Your Way To Conquer It

Many people think obesity means that a person is overweight,... Read More

Can Weight Loss Improve Your Health And Make You Feel Better?

Many people today are interested in weight loss and weight... Read More

Close Kept Secrets to Weight Loss #1

I am so grateful that you're taking steps to take... Read More

Possible Pitfalls

There are as many reasons you've given yourself to eat... Read More

7 Useful Tips That Will Help You Lose Weight

1. Increase your fiber intake. The body needs a lot... Read More

Low Carb Diet - The Way To Weight Loss?

Everybody you know is on the latest weight loss bandwagon:... Read More

Atkins Diet in UK

The most recent shocking news related to Atkins diet UK... Read More

Fitness: Getting Started

It seems like everywhere you turn, there is someone trying... Read More

The Art of Snacking to Lose Weight

Control that sweet tooth. Remember that sweet things generally mean... Read More

Holidaze

It's the travel time, meaning hours spent sedentary. It prepares... Read More

3 Secrets Your Diet Book Wont Tell You

Are you wondering why you're not losing weight? If you're... Read More

The Mind Body-Fat Connection

Negative thoughts, symbolic protection, being who we really are ........ Read More

Dont Just Melt Fat Off - Burn It Off With A Blow Torch!

Cardio Exercise...A huge variety of fitness activities provide cardiovascular benefits.... Read More

Free Weight Loss Tips - Help For Beginning a New Diet

If you are about to begin a diet, the number... Read More

Psychological Factors in Weight Management

To continue the educational series on your health and fitness... Read More

Fast Weight Loss Secret Revealed ? Move it or Lose it!

Some of you will not like what I have to... Read More

Coconut Oil Diets

Have you heard about coconut oil diets yet? People are... Read More

Action Plan to Take the Weight Off This Year

Addicted to Restaurants Are you addicted to restaurants? So are... Read More

Malnutrition Causes Obesity

Axiom Number One - Nourish your body.Probably the most important... Read More

Empowerment and Self-Control - What it Really Takes to get Control of your Weight

Chant the following each day, several times. They are mantras... Read More

What Obesity Debate?

This is a perfect example of how on-line weight loss... Read More

Weight Loss: Its Not About the Numbers, Its Your Approach!

Today obesity, diabetes, and heart disease run through us at... Read More

Obesity Shortens Life Expectancy

Steady gains made in improvement in life expectancy may be... Read More

Atkins Diet Plan -- Are Low Carb Diets Doomed?

According to Veronica Atkins, the widow of Dr. Robert Atkins,... Read More

Weight Loss for Good ? If Only You Had Known?

Whether coming from a close friend, the nightly news or... Read More

Lose Weight on Hips and Thighs: A Quest for Slimmer Hips and Thighs!

Losing weight on hips and thighs has always been a... Read More

Can You Still Buy Ephedra?

With millions of people aiming for successful weight loss, many... Read More

20 Ways to Lose Weight

20 WAYS TO LOSE WEIGHT1. Take it one step at... Read More

The #1 Key to Weight Loss ? What You DON?T Want to Know and Most Won?t Tell You!

You may not like what I have to say, even... Read More