It has been over ten years since I discovered a more natural way to stay healthy and in that time I have made significant changes in our lifestyle.  Certainly my family can see the effort we make in our home.  We  filter the water and air, take lots of nutritionals and the food we eat is organic.  Therefore, as a grandmother, it is difficult not to say anything when a couple of our grandchildren are overweight and obviously need to have changes in their diet.  Just imagine the difference in overall health if our children lived a healthy lifestyle from day one instead of trying to catch up as I am in my sixties.

This is a good article by Marianne Carter, who writes a health column for the News Journal.  It is obvious that parents need to set the example for healthy eating and the kids will follow suit:

The number of youth who are overweight has doubled in the last two to three decades, according to the National Institutes of Health. The increase is in both children and adolescents, and in all age, race and gender groups.

As a result, more and more overweight kids are being diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol — serious conditions previously associated only with adults.

Childhood obesity is a complex issue spurred by too little movement, too much junk food and too much TV and computer time. Heredity, socioeconomic status and the environment also play a role.

Fortunately, there are positive changes occurring to improve our children’s chances of maintaining a healthy weight. For example, some schools are increasing physical activity requirements and removing unhealthy choices from their vending machines.

Efforts are under way to communicate healthy messages, such as the 5-2-1-Almost None campaign promoted by Nemours Health & Prevention Services. Kids are being encouraged to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day, limit screen time to two hours, be physically active for one hour and limit consumption of sugary beverages such as sodas.

The treatment of pediatric obesity needs to include the family and must address multiple aspects, such as lifestyle, nutrition and physical activity patterns. It’s also important to talk with health care providers about options and individual needs of children.

Successful programs include behavioral counseling, promotion of physical activity, parent training/modeling, dietary counseling and nutrition education. A consultation with a registered dietitian is an important part of treatment.

For most overweight children, it’s not advisable to place them on a structured diet. If children are overly restricted with food, or led to believe certain foods are “bad,” this may contribute to disordered eating patterns in the future.

Rather, dietitians provide education on topics such as portion sizes and healthy snack options. Behaviors such as eating in front of the TV are discouraged, and opportunities for physical activity are encouraged.

There usually is a connection between parents’ weight and their children’s weight. Parents need to set the stage for healthier eating and a more active lifestyle. By taking responsibility, parents can play a major role in turning around their children’s habits.

Parents should involve children in food selection and preparation. Research reveals that children typically consume the amount of food they are given, so parents need to provide age-appropriate portions.

Meals and snacks should be served at predictable times. It’s best to have children eat in the kitchen or dining area, away from the distraction of the television. Studies show that when children eat together with their parents, they eat more nutritious meals. Eating breakfast has also been shown to protect against children becoming overweight.

Setting aside routine times for family fitness activities is another strategy that will help combat obesity. Children model their parents’ behaviors, so this type of activity provides positive role-modeling.

Sixty minutes of activity each day is recommended for children. Get the whole family involved with physical activity by taking walks or riding bicycles after dinner. If your children enjoy activities such as swimming, sign them up for a school or community program.

When parents, families, schools, policymakers, businesses and communities work today, childhood obesity rates can be lowered. For more information, visit Nemours at www.GrowUpHealthy.org.