Childhood Obesity Prevention

Having Happy Healthy Kids – Child Obesity Prevention

Child obesity is believed to be a growing epidemic in this country. Children overall, are less active and spend more time watching TV and playing video games then they ever have before. An estimated 80% of overweight children will grow up to be overweight adults. They will struggle with weight their entire lives. They will be more susceptible to diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and high cholesterol. Obesity can also lead to joint and back problems. Obese people tend to have shorter life spans and a lower quality of life as they get older.

An essential way to keep your children from being overweight is to keep them active. The more time they spend up and moving the better off they will be. Get your kids involved in sports and other outdoor activities. These can include gardening, skating, camping, canoeing, swimming, and the list could go on forever. If your child plays an organized sport, go to their events and practices. Cheer for them and offer them constant support and encouragement. Never make your children feel bad if they play poorly because that will discourage them from paying future sports. Encourage your children to use the stairs instead of elevators, walk or ride their bike places instead of getting a ride. Lead your children by example by walking with them. Read more…

The Real Causes of Childhood Obesity

Obesity in America is becoming a huge problem, especially in children. Statistics show that almost 60% of children in America are obese or overweight, and the number is still growing. Believe it or not, childhood obesity in America is becoming a huge threat to the future of our children.

Childhood obesity is a serious issue that each one of us, especially parents, need to address. Parents should educate each other regarding this topic so they can equip themselves with the knowledge to battle childhood obesity in America. I’m sure many of us are unaware, or not up to date, of the issues that surround child obesity. To have just a glimmer of hope in winning this battle, we need to find out why this is happening. What are the factors that lead to childhood obesity, and how do we prevent it? There are many factors that are presumed to be the culprits of childhood obesity. These are what are believed to be the major causes of childhood obesity in America, and around the globe for that matter. The following are just some of the leading causes of obesity in children.

* Lack of exercise – many of our children nowadays lack the physically active lifestyle that they require. They have become less interested in school or community sports programs. Physical education in schools has become almost non-existent. In fact, when a budget cut looms for a school district, one of the first programs to go is PE. This is truly an abomination, one that our politicians don’t seem to understand is having a very negative impact on society. Read more…