5 Ways to Avoid or Combat Childhood Obesity

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Thursday, October 21, 2010

HEALTH by Becky DiStefano

Childhood obesity is a sad epidemic that affects millions of children. While it may seem like a horrendous, unbreakable cycle, there is help out there and ways to combat and prevent childhood obesity.

Nutrition

You truly are what you eat so making sure children are properly nourished is key to avoiding or dealing with childhood obesity. Children need fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats and whole grains to thrive. Juice, soda and refined sugars need to be kept to a minimum as well as junk food and candy. Bring the kids to your local farmer’s markets to let them choose from delicious and nutritious local food that will fill them up with the right stuff. Find yours at Farm Fresh Rhode Island.

Exercise

With all of the controversy over recess being eradicated and gym classes being shortened or eliminated, it is more important than ever for kids to get enough exercise. Get their heads out of their Iphones and video games and outside to play. Sports leagues for soccer, basketball, baseball or football are all great ways for kids to stay active, which helps to stave off extra pounds. Contact your local YMCA for sports programs, memberships, financial aid and more.

Medical Care

Seeing a pediatrician regularly is key to a child staying healthy and at a proper weight. Doctors can make suggestions for how to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. They can also assess family history, genetic history, etc. to look for warning signs of obesity as well as any diseases or hormonal issues that can affect weight. Find a pediatrician in your area here.

Education

Learning more about how the body works, how food fuels our bodies and how movement keeps us healthy is important for parents and children to understand. Many times people are overweight due to lack of knowledge of what is in their food and when that passes on to their kids, it becomes a cycle that needs breaking. Contact Katie Mulligan MS, RD, LDN at Nurturing Nutrition for family nutrition counseling and more.

Teamwork

It is all about working together as a team with your family, your doctor and your kids to prevent childhood obesity and to treat it, too. Kids need support and encouragement to live healthy, active lifestyles that will give them the freedom to achieve their dreams and become what they choose. Do not be afraid to ask for help and do not be ashamed, change can start now.