We have all heard the statistics and seen the pictures of chubby children struggling to climb into a park swing, hit a ball or run to first base. It has become such a common topic that it is easy to become complacent. But consider this: According to the Institue of Medicine, the prevalence of obesity has doubled for pre-school children (2 - 5 years of age) and adolescents (12 - 19 years) since the 1970's. Obesity rates have tripled for children aged 6 - 11 yeas. This has caused a ripple effect in their physical and emotional health. It is estimated that approximately 30% of boys and 40% of girls born in the U.S. are at risk for type 2 diabetes. Obesity-associated anual hospital costs for pediatric patients have more than tripled over the past twenty years. It now costs us more than 100 billion dollars annually. More and more children struggle with low self-esteem, particularly during adolescence, as they realize they do not conform to the "ideal" bodies they see on television and in magazines. Although those images may not be healthy, neither are the overweight, diabetes-prone bodies our children are developing. Safety is also an issue for some younger children, as many parents struggle to find car seats that fit in order to transport them safely in their family vehicles.
Why is this happening? Who do we blame? Where do we begin to make changes?
Do we blame the fast food industry for super-sizing us to death? Should we ban carpools and start walking our children to the neighborhood school again? Do we sacrifice time and convenience and stop buying ready-to-eat meals and throw out our microwaves? Unplug the television and turn off the computer and video games and start a neighborhood wiffle-ball team? Should we remove all the high-fructose corn syrup from our pantries or throw out artificial sweeteners becuase of their suspected contribution to sugar cravings? Do doctors and insurance companies need to start approving bariatric surgeries for teens and children who cannot control their food intake? Maybe the answer lies in gene therapy somehow.
There are definitely more questions than answers. We'll explore this further in the next post.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
April 11, 2010
I have spent most of the 44 years of my life seeking self-improvement. Even as a child, I often felt too fat, awkward, inadequate or generally un-beautiful. No- this is not another "Whoa is me" soliloquy. We have all felt at one time or another as though we did not measure up, as students, employees, parents, spouses. I have spent the past fifteen years in private pediatric practice working to convince adolescents that their lives are worth putting forth an effort, and reassuring parents that some battles are worth fighting while more petty arguments are not worth the engagement. The bottom line is: We are all in the same boat in this big, blue ocean of a planet. We all have something to give, something to learn and something that can only get better if we share it with others.
This blog is dedicated to those children, adolescents and families who struggle with overweight and obesity. I would like to share some advice (and welcome your constructive input) on making health- full choices every day. Life should be enjoyable, affordable and beautiful!
TEEN CORNER
Yes, Spring is here. Yes, Summer is still too far away. The push for final exams and state standard testing is here, the PE coach has decided that the sunnier weather mandates outdoor track runs, and the subject of Prom dresses has taken over cafeteria conversation. It's a lousy time to feel "fat." (Is it ever a good time to feel fat?!)
Indulge me for a moment while I remind myself (and you) that Spring is a time of renewal. Boring, plain-looking seeds and bare trees are re-born as flowers, green leaves and havens for birds and butterflies. Okay; that's a little colorful, I know. But the truth is, we do have a chance at a fresh start. Not just because it's Spring, but because we can choose to make it so anytime that we wish.
Here's a challenge for you:
Make time every day (even if you only have 10 minutes!) to go outside and really look at the changes that are coming as Spring advances. Feel the change in temperature as you raise your face to the sun and breath in the still-brisk, earth-scented air. Breath deeply through your nose and out through your stomach. Repeat as many times as you need to in order to feel full of the new air. Forget about all of the things you wish were different about yourself and your life. Think of one thing you like about yourself and commit to celebrating it this coming week. Don't expect compliments- It only matters that you know about your personal "victory." If you like your hair, give it extra attention. Nice eyes? Consider a small amount of shadow or mascara (if you are old enough for it not to cause a rift with your parents.) Pretty hands or nails? Give yourself a manicure. You get the picture. Every day take just a minute or two to write down one compliment about yourself. (Even if you write the same one over and over.) You cannot attempt change until you first learn to appreciate who you are right now. You decide whether you prefer to write in a fancy journal or on scraps of paper you tape to your mirror. The point is Just Do It!
I have spent most of the 44 years of my life seeking self-improvement. Even as a child, I often felt too fat, awkward, inadequate or generally un-beautiful. No- this is not another "Whoa is me" soliloquy. We have all felt at one time or another as though we did not measure up, as students, employees, parents, spouses. I have spent the past fifteen years in private pediatric practice working to convince adolescents that their lives are worth putting forth an effort, and reassuring parents that some battles are worth fighting while more petty arguments are not worth the engagement. The bottom line is: We are all in the same boat in this big, blue ocean of a planet. We all have something to give, something to learn and something that can only get better if we share it with others.
This blog is dedicated to those children, adolescents and families who struggle with overweight and obesity. I would like to share some advice (and welcome your constructive input) on making health- full choices every day. Life should be enjoyable, affordable and beautiful!
TEEN CORNER
Yes, Spring is here. Yes, Summer is still too far away. The push for final exams and state standard testing is here, the PE coach has decided that the sunnier weather mandates outdoor track runs, and the subject of Prom dresses has taken over cafeteria conversation. It's a lousy time to feel "fat." (Is it ever a good time to feel fat?!)
Indulge me for a moment while I remind myself (and you) that Spring is a time of renewal. Boring, plain-looking seeds and bare trees are re-born as flowers, green leaves and havens for birds and butterflies. Okay; that's a little colorful, I know. But the truth is, we do have a chance at a fresh start. Not just because it's Spring, but because we can choose to make it so anytime that we wish.
Here's a challenge for you:
Make time every day (even if you only have 10 minutes!) to go outside and really look at the changes that are coming as Spring advances. Feel the change in temperature as you raise your face to the sun and breath in the still-brisk, earth-scented air. Breath deeply through your nose and out through your stomach. Repeat as many times as you need to in order to feel full of the new air. Forget about all of the things you wish were different about yourself and your life. Think of one thing you like about yourself and commit to celebrating it this coming week. Don't expect compliments- It only matters that you know about your personal "victory." If you like your hair, give it extra attention. Nice eyes? Consider a small amount of shadow or mascara (if you are old enough for it not to cause a rift with your parents.) Pretty hands or nails? Give yourself a manicure. You get the picture. Every day take just a minute or two to write down one compliment about yourself. (Even if you write the same one over and over.) You cannot attempt change until you first learn to appreciate who you are right now. You decide whether you prefer to write in a fancy journal or on scraps of paper you tape to your mirror. The point is Just Do It!
Mom Notes
Most of us feel like giving up when it comes to getting our kids to try vegetables. Spring brings a wider assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables in season (and often on sale). If you have a veggie-phobe in your house, like I do, start with making new discoveries in the fruit section of your produce aisle. Let your child help you pick out a new fruit. Search the web for info on its origin and ways to serve it, or just cut it up and try it in its "naked" state. Don't be afraid to try a fruit that y ou haven't tasted before. By being willing to try new foods yourself, you will show your children that it is okay to branch out beyond your comfort zone. It is also okay to discover that you do not like a new food. When your children see that you are willing to taste something new and make open-minded decisions, they will be more adventurous in their eating as well.
(For more detailed suggestions, click the link to my supermarket survival blog, Aisle of Adventure.)
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