subject: Childhood Obesity Takes Its Toll [print this page] Type 2 diabetes - long regarded as an "adult" disease - has been affecting more children over the past few years. This is due to an increase in overweight and obese children. Kids are becoming more sedentary and eating more junk food than ever before. With the advent of handheld electronic games, computers and ever more available television channels, kidshave more reason to stay inside and sit for long periods of time. They are, effectively, becoming obese by default.
Along with the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, being overweight or obese also puts kids at risk of developing other "adult" conditions such as high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels.
Here are some suggestions to help your child stay healthy:
Childhood like it used to be
Parents can help their kids stay a healthy weight and out of the obese range by limiting video games, television time andother "non excercise" activity to an hour or two a day. Creating opportunities to have fun without electronic diversions can be a family undertaking. Dancing to music or working with creative crafts are just some ways to spark a child's imagination.Turning off the TV can help kids become more aware of the world around them. Let kids earn their TV time. For every minute they play outside, for instance, they can watch one minute of television. Thirty minutes of outdoor play will buy them a favourite half-hour television show later that day. For particularly overweight or obese kids a reward of some description for every pound lost may be a good idea.
Sport For All
Encouraging sports and games that the whole family can participate in can go a long way toward encouraging kids to be more active. Some kids feel self-conscious when they are overweight or obese and don't want to participate in team sports.They might feel that they won't be able to keep up, or that they'll let the team down. So it becomes a vicious circle. Sports that place emphasis on individual success such as martial arts or swimming might be good choices for building a child's confidence as he or she becomes more fit.
Chores Can Be A Benefit
Household chores are another way to get kids off their backsides. Simple gardening tasks, folding laundry, helping with the washing up or walking the dog are just a few of the ways kids can help you and them around the house. How many times do you see parents out with the dog because the kid who pestered to get it can't be bothered anymore. Chores can be great because kids are - eventually - made to feel like they're part of the family. Once the tantrums or sulks caused by actually being asked to do something are over, they do realise they're becoming more responsible. And it really does help busy parents accomplish more on a daily basis. Most importantly, it gets kids up and moving and so it's a win-win situation.
Healthy Snacks (a la Jamie Oliver) Are The Thing
Offering nutritious snacks like fresh fruit, cut-up vegetables, or low-fat yogurt can help kids learn good eating habits.Making more meals at home, or packing healthy lunches or snacks for when you're on the go, will help cut the calories, and often the cost too, that fast food adds. A bag of apples is better than a bag of biscuits, because the apple is full of vitamins, nutrients and fibre, which in the long run has greater health impact by providing more of the "goodness" a growing child needs in its quest not to become obese.
Making Healthy Choices
Making family health a priority is a must and will help kids learn to make the right choices now and later in life. Parents hold the key to teaching their kids about living a healthy lifestyle. Doing things together makes everyone a part of it. And it's more fun when everybody is on the same track - preferably running track. Holding back the incoming tide of "adult" diseases is just one of the many benefits of healthy living. Given the chance, good health can last a lifetime. Being obese is an option you don't want for your kids.
