Childhood Obesity - Do you have an overweight child? We offer tips to help your child lose weight and get fit!

As part of its continuing efforts to battle childhood obesity, London district schools will add classes aimed at teaching students how to cook healthy meals.

"From 2011, every 11 to 14-year-old will be given hands-on cooking lesson in how to make cheap, healthy dishes from simple, fresh ingredients... Under the plans, around 800 new food technology teachers and teaching assistants will be trained over the next three years."

The government plans to set aside nearly $5 million to cover the program. Read more at ThisIsLocalLondon.com.

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Labels: healthy_eating, cooking, recipes

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In the Las Cruces Public Schools (New Mexico), health and nutrition expert Barbara Berger has outlined suggestions for increasing students' physical activity; by using activity - instead of food - as a reward.

"Children love being active, so it seems logical that activity be used as a real reward. Instead of celebrating with a pizza party or an ice cream social in class, try a fun outing such as a nature walk or a game of tag... For older students, how about a jump rope contest, H-O-R-S-E (basketball shooting game) or playing with hula hoops?"

By substituting activity for food, kids not only learn to more greatly appreciate and enjoy physical activity but they reduce the risk of develop unhealthy attitudes towards food. Read more at LCSun-News.com.

Labels: schools, exercise, rewards

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Despite all the advice out there about getting kids healthy using "interactive" video games, or "tricks" to get them to eat healthy foods, one of the best things parents can do is simply model an active lifestyle and healthy eating.

"At home, parents are a child's best role models. If you stay active and eat a balanced diet, your children are more likely to follow your lead. Here are some tips on how to influence your child's lifestyle: Keep healthier foods in the house, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low fat dairy foods, so they begin to consider it 'the norm'."

Also, encourage moderation, and limit television and computer time. Read more at WisInfo.com.

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Labels: parents, role_models, influences

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A recent Kaiser Family Foundation study found that the average American child spends 44 hours a week in front of an electronic screen (computer, television, etc.). As concern over childhood obesity continues, people like Richard Louv  author of "Last Child in the Woods"  are suggesting that it's time for families to schedule less and play more.

"...a growing wave of research indicates that children who spend time outdoors are healthier, overall, than their indoor counterparts. Children who regularly spend unstructured time outside play more creatively, have lower stress levels, have more active imaginations, become more active and fitter, develop stronger immune systems, experience fewer symptoms of ADD and ADHD, have greater respect for themselves, for others and for the environment."

To give parents some ideas for outdoor play, the National Wildlife Federation has created a website: www.greenhour.org on which it offers ideas for backyard adventures and outdoor exploration.

Labels: exercise, fitness, playgrounds

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About 2,000 outraged parents joined forces with the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood and persuaded the McDonald's corporation to end a Florida school district promotion. The promotion involved using Happy Meals to reward children who had good grades and attendance.

"Susan Pagan, a Winter Springs mother, raised a ruckus after her fourth-grade daughter brought home a report card from Red Bug Elementary that was emblazoned with Ronald McDonald and a plug for a free Happy Meal in exchange for good grades or attendance."

Pagan was joined in her efforts by Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, which rallied nearly 2,000 other parents from across the country. News media around the world picked up the story, and McDonald's withdrew its Made the Grade program shortly thereafter.

Labels: influences, fast_food, marketing

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There's no end to the statistics or studies about the damaging effects of childhood obesity. And while most parents know they need to take an active role in helping their children be and stay healthy, they don't always know what to do. To offer some guidance, iVilliage contributing writers Sarah Barlow and William Dietz have put together a list of suggestions.

"Offer only healthy options. Parents can ask the child to choose between an apple or popcorn for a snack, not an apple or a cookie, or ask the child to choose between outside play or going to the park rather than to choose between outside play or television. When children can choose, they are less likely to view the alternative they select as unattractive."

They also remind parents how important it is to be consistent regarding the foods that are and aren't allowed. If kids know they can get their favorite junk food if they push hard enough, that's exactly what they'll do.

Labels: advice, parents, tips

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A study led by Dr. Matthew M. Davis at the University of Michigan found that many parents underestimate their children's weight and overall health. The study was conducted using an online survey in which parents reported their children's height and weight and asked parents if their children were overweight or obese.

"Among parents with an obese, or extremely overweight child ages 6 to 11, 43 percent said their child was 'about the right weight', 37 percent responded 'slightly overweight' and 13 percent said 'very overweight'."

Dr. Goutham Rao of the Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh noted that obesity is more difficult to identify in children, and that - because of the social stigma - some parents simply aren't willing to admit that their children are overweight.

Labels: parenting, overweight, pediatricians

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"Mindless eating" is a phrase used to describe the idle snacking that many people do throughout the day. It is also the title of a book by Cornell professor Brian Wansink that explains the psychological cues behind mindless eating and offers suggestions for combating those cues.

"Hide the cookies; uncover the carrots. You eat what you see. If you have to look at soda every time you open your refrigerator, you will spend more time thinking about soda and, ultimately, will drink more of it. So keep the sweets tucked away, and move your carrots and celery from the vegetable crisper to the top shelf of the fridge, where they will be at eye level."

Other suggestions include making healthy snacks easier to eat by, for example, washing and cutting carrots and celery. The stomach isn't sensitive enough to register in "real time" what's been eaten, so using the other senses is important. Put food on smaller plates so that it looks like you're eating more. And put sweets or other unhealthy snack food in places where they can't be easily seen.

Labels: healthy_eating, snacks, grazing

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A new book has just been released by Barbara Storper. Janey Junkfood's Fresh Adventure! is a children's book designed to make healthy eating fun for kids.

"...the book is designed like a colorful scrapbook, filled with Tobe's discoveries as she investigates the case against junk food and comes up with fun and helpful ways to help her friend eat to win."

The book also includes "14 tickets to fresh adventures" recipe cards for nutritious snacks.

Labels: healthy_eating, healthy_living, books

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In an extension of its current ban on junk food ads for kids under the age of 10, Britain rang in the New Year with a ban on junk food ads to kids under the age of sixteen.

"Specifically, the new measures, agreed last year, will ban adverts for junk food and drink around programmes of particular appeal to children under 16 years... Some campaigners say the ban which came into force Monday does not go far enough, calling for a total ban on junk food ads after 9:00 pm."

This is the latest in a string of measures the British government has made to try and fight growing childhood obesity.

Labels: advertising, marketing, media influences

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Researchers at the University of Michigan have found a surprising correlation between sleep and weight. The study looked at the weight, height and sleep patterns of 785 children in 10 U.S. cities.

"Of the children who slept 10-12 hours each night at age eight, about 12% were obese by 11, compared to 22% of those who slept less than nine hours."

The study also found that, in third graders, every additional hour of sleep resulted in a 40% drop in their chance of becoming obese. Though the results of the study were undeniable, researchers are unsure why sleep plays such a profound role in weight gain among children.

Labels: causes of childhood obesity, sleep

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