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

The United States Department of Agriculture is offering $40,000 in prizes to developers who can create video games to help children lose weight, or design electronic applications that will assist parents in their efforts to make better food choices for themselves and their families.

The contest is part of First Lady Michelle Obama's campaign against childhood obesity.

"Maybe you've seen those dance video games or exercise games that families are playing together at home," Mrs. Obama said in a March 10 Associated Press article. "Those are the kinds of games we are talking about."

Regarding the types of tools for parents that contest organizers are looking for, Mrs. Obama explained, "say you're at the grocery store and you are trying to figure out whether one food is healthier than the other, then you can pull up that answer on your iPhone."

Entries are due June 30, 2010.

Labels: government, prevention, awareness

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According to a Feb. 23 Associated Press report, the American Academy of Pediatrics is supporting U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama's obesity prevention campaign by providing prescription slips to help pediatricians recommend healthy living tips:

The slips say, "Rx for Healthy Active Living.'' They list four daily tasks: eating at least five fruits and vegetables; limiting screen time to two hours or less; getting at least one hour of physical activity; and drinking fewer sugary drinks.

They also have a space for parents or kids to fill in which task they want to work on first.

The academy has downloadable versions of these prescription slips for pediatricians on its Web site.

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Canadians are engaging in a national debate about whether their obesity epidemic warrants new laws and taxes similar to the ones used against smoking.

According to a Jan. 14 article by Meagan Fitzpatrick of Canwest News Service, the proposed laws would ban the sale of unhealthy foods or tax them, and put government subsidies on fruit and vegetables:

Governments over the years, have passed various pieces of legislation designed to reduce smoking, including increased taxation and packaging requirements, and some health experts have been pushing for similar initiatives to combat obesity.

Proposals include banning the advertising of unhealthy foods, increasing taxes on food that isn't nutritious, subsidizing fruits and vegetables to make them more affordable for Canadians and forcing the food industry to change its labelling, packaging and ingredients.

"This is a legitimate public debate about how far you go with voluntary versus legal restrictions," said [Dr. David] Butler-Jones. "The timing for that I think, really depends on when a community is educated enough, and ready enough and understands the implications."

In 2009, a Canadian group posed a legal challenge to companies that were marketing junk food to children.

Labels: junk food, prevention, awareness, canada

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Researchers at the University of Cincinnati Metabolic Disease Institute have come up with an intriguing theory that could one day help overweight or obese individuals.

The study's lead author, UC Professor Randy Seeley, PhD, explained the theory behind the research in a Feb. 1 press release:

Peptides that target blood vessels in fat and cause them to go into programmed cell death (termed apoptosis) could become a model for future weight-loss therapies, say University of Cincinnati (UC) researchers. ...

"Think of fat tissue like a bathtub," [Prof. Seeley] says. "To keep the amount of water the same, you have to make sure that the speed of the water coming in and the water going out match. If the water is coming in faster than the water is going out, eventually you have to build a bigger bathtub.

"Obesity is the same. People who eat more calories than they burn have to build a bigger fat tissue 'bathtub,' and building new blood vessels is crucial to building this bigger bathtub. For each additional pound of fat tissue, you need to build a mile of blood vessels.

"What we found is that if we can target these fat tissue blood vessels, animals eat less and lose weight as their 'bathtubs' get smaller."

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In a Feb. 10 statement, the American Nurses Association (ANA) expressed its support of First Lady Michelle Obamas campaign against childhood obesity:

As the largest nursing organization in the U.S., ANA stands ready to assist the First Lady to address this significant health problem through her program, Let's Move America's Move for a Healthier Generation.

"Nurses see first hand the devastating effects of obesity," said ANA President Rebecca M. Patton, MSN, RN, CNOR. "Obesity can increase the risk of stroke, diabetes, heart disease and hypertension as well as many other illnesses. ... ANA recognizes the effects of obesity and pledges its ongoing support of programs that serve to address the issue."

The only full-service professional organization representing the interests of the nation's 2.9 million registered nurses, the ANA describes its mission as "fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the rights of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Congress and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public."

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A new study has found a strong link between family routines and the onset of childhood obesity. Researchers from Ohio State University say it's the first time three specific routines were assessed together.

According to a Feb. 8 ScienceDaily article, "in a large sample of the U.S. population, the study showed that 4-year-olds living in homes with all three routines had an almost 40 percent lower prevalence of obesity than did children living in homes that practiced none of these routines."

The following three factors were associated with a lower prevalence of childhood obesity:

• Eating dinner as a family
• Getting an adequate amount of sleep
• Limiting TV viewing time.
  

Researchers also pointed out, however, that the study doesn't confirm whether the actions themselves aid in preventing obesity, or if they indicate the presence of other preventative factors.

Labels: causes of childhood obesity, prevention, sleep, screen_time, family meals

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A new, interactive weighing device could help kids track how much food their eating, and how quickly its being consumed. The device could help prevent kids from overeating, thereby preventing excessive weight gain.

"Known as the Mandometer, the medical gadget weighs a plate of food at the beginning of a meal and then measures and tracks the rate at which the food is being consumed, giving voice signals to slow down if the child is scarfing down his food too quickly." [Source: RedOrbit]

A 12-month study of the device found that eating speed decreased by 11 percent, and children who used the Mandometer also ate smaller portions. The device works by comparing actual consumption rates with an ideal rate thats programmed into the machine by a nutritionist.

Labels: prevention, eating-habits

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South Dakota needed a program to help children deal with weight issues. Aaron Maguire couldnt find a program that addressed the need, so he created one of his own.

South Dakota's Argus-Leader newspaper provided the following details about Maguire's efforts:

Beginning this month, Dakota Kids Inc. will help overweight and obese children through a 12-week healthy kids program.

Meeting once a week for about an hour, participants  from kindergartners through high school seniors  will learn about nutrition and theyll exercise. Theyll go through body composition and strength tests and be sent home with tip sheets to share with their families.

A recent South Dakota survey found that 33.6 percent of the kids are overweight or obese. Maguire hopes his Dakota Kids program will help significantly reduce that number.

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A study by Temple University found that the Head Start program goes "above and beyond" federal recommendation for promoting healthy eating and exercise

According to a Dec. 7 ScienceDaily article, a Temple survey of 1,583 Head Start programs found the following:

• Seventy percent of programs were serving only non-fat or 1 percent milk, and 59 percent never served chocolate milk.
• Three-quarters of programs reported having children participate in at least 30 minutes of adult-led physical activity per day.
• Ninety-four percent of programs reported serving some vegetable every day, other than French fries.
• Ninety-seven percent reported serving some fruit every day, other than 100% fruit juice.
• More than half (56 percent) provided children with at least 60 minutes each day of unstructured physical activity in addition to the 30 minutes of adult-led physical activity.

Labels: childhood_obesity, prevention, head start

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According to an Oct. 28 article by Debra Alban of CNN, members of the Latino community are facing an "uphill battle" in the effort to reduce rates of childhood obesity:

When she was about 8, Frida Sepulveda developed dark folds of skin around her neck. It's a well-known warning sign of type 2 diabetes. Frida's mother, Blanca Sepulveda, who has watched other family members struggle with diabetes and obesity, was "devastated" to see her daughter experience similar health problems.

The San Diego, California family is among a disproportionately high number of Latino-American families with overweight and obese children.

According to the 2007 National Survey of Childrens Health, 16.6 percent of Latino high school students were obese and 18.1 percent were overweight. The corresponding national averages for high school students were 13.3 percent obese and 15.8 percent overweight.

Labels: childhood_obesity, prevention, latino

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Dr. Thomas Wadden, Ph.D., professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania has been given the George A. Bray Founders Award for his work to fight obesity. He received the award at the 27th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Obesity Society in Washington, D.C.

An Oct. 27 article by Margie King of Examiner.com provided the following information about the professor's award:

Dr. Waddens principal research is on the treatment of obesity by such methods as lifestyle modification, very-low-calorie diets, exercise, medication and surgery. He has also investigated the metabolic and psychosocial consequences of obesity and weight loss, publishing over 220 scientific papers and book chapters.

Dr. Waddens most recent book is Obesity: A Guide for Mental Health Professional, which he co-authored with Albert J. Stunkard and Robert I. Berkowitz. He also serves on the National Institutes of Healths Clinical Obesity Research Program.

Labels: prevention, treatment, award

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An African proverb tells us that it takes a village to raise a child. A new Chicago-area team, however, thinks the effort could be improved by involving an entire county.

The Forward Coalition is an ambitious collaboration of nearly three dozen partners  hospitals, school districts, charitable agencies, planners and other entities  that celebrated its official launch with a gathering Thursday morning at Morton Arboretum in Lisle. (Source: The Naperville (Ill.) Sun)

The group plans to raise $8-10 million which will be used to disseminate messages of early intervention to schools, doctors offices, parent association and student organizations.

Labels: prevention

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Parents can do a lot to help children keep their weight in check, according to an expert from Harvard University -- and some of the steps to prevent childhood overweight and obesity begin should be taken during the infant and toddler years.

Professor Elsie Taveras said that mothers who start pregnancy at a normal weight but who gain more than 25 pounds increase their child's chances for being overweight by age three. Also, allowing children who gain too much weight in the first six months of life puts them at much higher risk for obesity by age three, Dr. Taveras warned.

• According to a study in the journal Obesity, today's babies are almost 60 percent more likely to be overweight than were babies 20 years ago.
• Some simple feeding practices are important, such as paying attention to your baby's cues when you are feeding him or her.
• For example, if an infant pulls his head away from his bottle, he is saying, I don't want eat anymore.
• It is a good idea to keep the television off while you are feeding your baby so that you can remain sensitive to his cues.

Dr. Taveras told parents to ask their pediatrician how their child is doing in terms of weight.

Labels: childhood_obesity, parenting, prevention, infant

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In a Sept. 2 Los Angeles Times article, Lorenza Muñoz bemoaned the sad state of nutrition among American children -- but the food writer noted that a number of efforts are underway to improve the eating habits and food IQ among the nation's youth:

Due in part to an alarming increase in childhood obesity, diabetes and other junk-food-related illnesses, healthful-food movements targeting kids are sprouting all over the United States. From kids' cooking classes to angry mothers demanding more healthful food in cafeterias to edible gardens at schools, more people are looking to improve their families' eating habits.

"The whole food system in our country is broken," says Susan Rubin, a former dentist, now nutritionist in New York, who founded Better School Food, a nonprofit program to help parents improve their kids' school food programs. "Somehow we have gotten the idea that healthy food is not good."

Countering the culture of junk and processed foods takes parental effort and a little creativity. Cynthia Walters of Powell, Ohio, takes her three children on "scavenger hunts" at the local supermarket. Every week, they try to pick out an unfamiliar fruit or vegetable. A few weeks ago, her 11-year-old son spotted an unattractive, brownish-gray vegetable and showed it to his siblings as if he had discovered something truly unique.

Labels: nutrition, healthy_eating, prevention

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In an effort to fight childhood obesity, the New York Department of Education has outlawed all bake sales in schools.

If a principal does not comply with the new rule, it will result in an "adverse impact on the principals performance ratings," according to a written statement from the Education Department.

Critics of the move include some Parent Teacher Associations, sports teams and other groups that conduct fund-raisers.The Department suggests that schools and sports teams use walk-a-thons and other activities that promote fitness to raise money.

About 40 percent of New York City's elementary and middle school students are overweight or obese.

Labels: schools, prevention

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A report released by the Institute of Medicine and National Research Council urges state and local governments to tax junk food and soft drinks as part of a comprehensive effort to combat childhood obesity. The report also suggests tax breaks for grocery stores that open in poor or blighted neighborhoods.

A Sept. 1 article by Reuters Health and Science Editor Maggie Fox provided the following details:

The report ... also suggests that governments limit television and video games in after-school programs, require restaurants to list calorie counts on their menus and open school playgrounds and athletic fields to communities.

"Childhood obesity poses a serious threat to health in the United States," it reads. The problem cannot be solved by the federal government and communities need to act, it adds.

"This is not a report that says 'this is what every community should do.' This is a menu of options," Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, who chaired the panel that wrote the report, said in a telephone interview.

Labels: childhood_obesity, prevention

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Characters from the classic childrens book Where the Wild Things Are are getting involved in the fight against childhood obesity. The Department of Health and Human Services is working with Warner Brothers to develop public service announcements.

"The campaign aims to highlight the health benefits of exercise and physical activities, while encouraging children to begin having their own 'Wild Rumpus,' just like the main character Max in Maurice Sendaks book. Each ad ends with a call to action by asking 'The Wild is out there; did you play today?'" (Source: RedOrbit)

The ads will also include a new website address: www.smallstep.gov, where parents can find playtime ideas and information on physical activity and healthy eating.

Labels: prevention, advertising

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During a visit to Rochester, N.Y., U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand discussed ways of improving childhood nutrition on a local level.

Rochester's Democrat and Chronicle reported that Gillibrand's comments focused on the financial aspects of fighting childhood obesity:

The current federal reimbursement rate to local schools has not kept pace with inflation or the increased costs of providing quality meals. Gillibrand proposes increasing the current reimbursement rate by 70 cents in the upcoming Child Nutrition Reauthorization bill  from $2.57 per meal to $3.27 per meal.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood obesity rates in children ages six to 11 have more than doubled in the last 30 years. The rate has more than tripled among 12- to 19-year-olds.

Labels: causes of childhood obesity, prevention

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South Carolinas Education Department head is teaming up with Subway in a campaign to combat childhood obesity.

According to a Sept. 8 Associated Press article, Superintendent of Education Jim Rex and longtime Subway spokesman Jared Fogle will be participating in a video conference call to mark the kickoff of a month-long anti-obesity video and poster competition.

Students will be asked to create videos and posters that creatively communicate the ways they stay healthy and fit. Jared is expected to visit South Carolina in October to announce the winners, who will receive fitness grants for their schools and cash cards to use at all Subway locations.

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Researchers in Australia are urging doctors in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia to rethink their strategies to combat childhood obesity. They say programs that emphasize better eating and increased exercise dont work.

According to a Sept. 4 HealthDay News article, the Australian researchers reported that "brief, physician-led intervention produced no long-term improvement in body mass index, physical activity or nutrition habits

The statement comes in the wake of a study conducted in Australia which tracked the effects three months of counseling had on children who were obese or overweight. Of the 139 who received counseling related to eating habits and exercise, none made significant improvements in diet or physical activity.

"The global long-term physical, emotional, social, reproductive and economic consequences of childhood obesity are likely to be extremely serious," the study's authors wrote. "However, very little evidence exists to show this kind of intervention works."

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In the last 40 years, childhood obesity rates have quadrupled in the United States. And while many look to schools, food manufacturers and health experts for help, we can't forget another important resource in the fight against childhood obesity: parents.

In an Aug. X article on the ScienceDaily website, psychologist Edward Abramson, Ph.D., said that parents can play a pivotal role by ensuring that their children eat a healthy diet and get plenty of exercise:

While everyone, including children, is entitled to have food preferences, infants are born with genetic predispositions toward sweet and salty tastes and against sour and bitter tastes and unfamiliar foods, Abramson said.

"For these children, it may take several repetitions (10 or more) to have a child try a new food, but parents should retreat gracefully and try again another day rather than get into a battle of wills when the child refuses a food," he said. ...

Physical activity can also help prevent obesity even when there is a tendency to gain weight due to genetics, Abramson said. Research has shown that four- to seven-year-old children of active parents were six times as likely to be active [than were children of sedentary parents].

Labels: parenting, causes of childhood obesity, prevention

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In the last 25 years, childhood obesity rates have tripled in the United States. In Lafayette, Lousiana -- in a state where one of every three people between the ages of 10 and 17 is overweight or obese -- a group named "Trim Kids" is working to reverse these troubling trends.

According to Veronica White's Aug. 13 article on the website of Louisiana's KATC, Trim Kids has been offered for four years. Among the program's successes are BreAnne Justin, who lost 18 lbs. during the 12-week spring program.

KATC reports that Trim Kids teaches kids how to make important changes to both diet and activity level. Program creator Dorian Driscoll also emphasizes to parents the importance of teaching by example. The next Trim Kids session is set to start in September.

Labels: childhood_obesity, prevention

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Health care reform is a top priority in Washington, D.C. this year. While the debate over national health care rages on, New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is working to keep preventative measures at the forefront.

Senator Gillibrand is authoring legislation that would ban trans-fats in public schools. Any school that receives federal reimbursements would be required to remove food containing trans fats from the school. Schools would have a five year window to implement the policy. -- Source: News Channel 34 (Binghamton, NY)

Senator Gillibrand is also working on legislation that would give the U.S. Department of Agriculture more authority over the types of foods that are served in schools.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood obesity rates have more than doubled in the last thirty years. Senator Gillibrands legislation aims to quickly reverse that trend by making healthy foods more accessible to all school children.

Labels: childhood_obesity, legislation, prevention

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In an effort to promote healthy eating and reduce levels of childhood obesity, Junior Leagues in several nations have been inviting young people to participate in the "Kids in the Kitchen" program

Inspired by the Junior League of Calgary's Junior Chefs program, the Junior Leagues' Kids in the Kitchen initiative began in 2006 with the goal of engaging kids in the preparation of healthy meals as a means to educate them and their parents regarding nutrition and healthy choices.

Junior Leagues in more than 200 locations provide lessons and demonstrations related to preparation of healthy meals and snacks in partnership with local community organizations, chefs and nutritionists.

Over 215 Leagues in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United States conducted the Junior Leagues' Kids in the Kitchen program in their communities in 2009. (Source: Kids in the Kitchen website)

According to its website, the Association of Junior Leagues International Inc. (AJLI) is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

Labels: childhood_obesity, prevention, education

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Dr. Joe Thompson, the surgeon general of the state of Arkansas, brought an important message to the kids at the Fayetteville Boys & Girls Club: Progress has been made in the fight against obesity, but theres more work yet to be done.

"Dr. Joe Thompson thanked participants in the clubs summer programs for participating in physical activities through the organization, saying places like the club are 'exactly what we need,'" reported the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette "He encouraged the students to find a physical activity they enjoy and stick with it throughout their lives."

Based on body mass index screenings, Arkansas seems to be turning a corner in its campaign to prevent childhood obesity. Dr. Thompson, a pediatrician, has served as the state's surgeon general for four years.

Labels: childhood_obesity, prevention, exercise

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Researchers from Keck School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, are studying how to use technology to fight childhood obesity.

Dr. Donna Spruijt-Metz is developing a program that entails having children wear wireless sensors to measure their physical activity. If the children are sedentary for a long time, they will receive a ping to remind them to be active.

A second program involves using CD-ROMs in schools to promote better health. Dr. Spruijt-Metz reported that this program was more effective for girls than boys.

"Technology gives us more objective and reliable measures than self reporting," she said. Dr. Spruijt-Metz presented her findings during the 5th Biennial Childhood Obesity Conference, which was held June 9 to 12 in Los Angeles.

Labels: childhood_obesity, prevention, technology

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Children who are breastfed are less likely to be fat, regardless of their height or family background. Now a new study finds that the quality of diet a breastfed infant consumes during weaning also affects body mass index.

Researchers at the University of South Hampton in the United Kingdom studied 536 children at age six and twelve months old, and again at age four years.

"We found that independent of the duration of breastfeeding, children with higher quality weaning diets including fruits, vegetables, and home-prepared foods had a greater lean mass at four years of age," Dr. Sian Robinson of the Epidemiology Resource Center at the University of South Hampton wrote in the Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism.

Labels: childhood_obesity, parenting, prevention

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More than 75,000 children across the country are participating in youth running programs aimed at preventing childhood obesity. The programs are funded by the New York Runners Foundation's "Team for Kids."

"Here in New York where one in 10 people suffer from Type 2 diabetes and many other chronic, terrible diseases that are related to obesity, weve created two programs which start teaching kids about the wonderfulness of physical activity and in particular running and walking," said New York Road Runners Foundation Executive Director Cliff Sperber. (Source: NY1 News)

The programs who which Mr. Sperber referred are the Mighty Milers and Young Runners, which are designed for younger and older kids, respectively. Both programs teach young people about the basics of running, and help them build their strength and endurance. Achieving milestones builds confidence, which increases the likelihood that the kids will continue to exercise even when they're adults.

Obesity research has determined that following a nutritious diet plan and engaging in regular physical activity are two of the most important components in a young person's effort to avoid childhood obesity and grow into a healthy adult.

Labels: prevention, exercise, youth, running

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The Childhood Obesity Prevention Demonstration Project of Watauga County (NC) has spent seven months promoting healthy living. This month it is celebrating the accomplishments of all its participants by hosting Family FunFest. The fest is scheduled for Saturday, May 30, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Boone Mall:

Family FunFest will feature a number of activities for participants of all ages including inflatables  a giant rock wall, giant slide, obstacle course, moon walk, and a hula hoop contest. There will also be free food samples from our Healthy Cooking Contest finalists, as well as budget-friendly cooking tips. (Source: High Country Press)

The Obesity Project partnered with the Eat Smart, Move More N.C. program, which encourages communities, schools and businesses to promote healthy eating and physical activity.

Families who are looking for additional ways to improve their children's eating and exercise habits may also want to consider the many benefits of a healthy weight loss summer camp.

Labels: childhood_obesity, prevention, families

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The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, passed by Congress and likely to be signed by President Obama, includes money for "modernization," which could be used to create spaces and environments that promote physical activity.

"The act... requires that states allocate three percent of their share for Transportation Enhancements, which could include construction of walkways, bicycle paths and bike lanes that can help prevent obesity."

Research that was recently published in a special issue of the Journal of Public Health revealed that state and local policies, in conjunction with the Recovery and Reinvestment Act, can remove many of the obstacles that prevent young people from playing outside.Source: Medical News Today

Labels: schools, prevention

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The New Jersey state Health Department, in conjunction with the Pediatric Council on Research and Education, is sponsoring a symposium on the prevention of childhood obesity.

"The conference is intended to give school administrators, nurses and physical education teachers as well as dieticians, physicians, and others practical information and guidance they can use in their interactions with young children and their families."

Participants will learn how to interpret body-mass index information and introduce age-appropriate activities. The conference will also address feeding and eating patterns that lead to childhood obesity. The conference will be held March 31 in Monroe Township. Source: North Jersey News

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A registered nurse from Maryland has simple advice for parents who are looking for help in their efforts to control their children's weight: Let the kids play.

"Physical play can help children discover what their bodies can do. They'll increase their skills and gain the confidence to try new things. Children confident in their abilities are more likely to interact with other children and develop emotionally, socially, cognitively - and, of course, physically."

Playing comes naturally to kids. Oftentimes it's the parents who hinder it, worried that it isn't safe for their kids to be outside or that they're going to get hurt. But the kind of physical play that kids come by instinctively is just what they need to develop an active, healthy lifestyle. Source: ModernMedicine.com.

Labels: prevention, fitness, basics

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In the continued struggle against childhood obesity, an Alabama group has received the praises of acting U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Steven K. Galson for its efforts.

"Galson told members of the Jefferson County Childhood Obesity Task Force on Monday they are making a difference and must get involved 'at every level of society,'"

Galson was in Alabama for a round-table discussion with about 40 members of various organizations that are working to improve the diet, exercise, and overall health of Alabama children. Source: Montgomery Advertiser

Labels: prevention

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Convened in Boston and hosted by the city's mayor, the City and School Leaders Collaborating on Local Wellness Policies initiative met to discuss strategies for citywide wellness policies that could be sustained long-term.

"One of the innovative local programs that project teams visited was the Boston Schoolyard Initiative, a partnership by the city, school district and Boston Schoolyard Funders Collaborative that has refurbished 71 public schoolyards... these schoolyards are converted into spaces in which children can be healthy and physically active as well as learn outdoor science lessons..."

Several strategies were discussed for implementing similar programs in other cities, including connecting wellness committees to existing youth programs, and partnering with a foundation or other entity to ensure implementation of citywide policies. Source: National League of Cities

Labels: schools, prevention, awareness

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David Jones, a retired North Carolina state employee, wants to raise awareness about childhood obesity. And he's doing it one step at a time - literally.

"Jones.... plans to walk the 73 miles from Snow Hill to Raleigh in October to take his message to state officials. 'I want to raise awareness that there needs to be more actions taken to defeat childhood obesity,' Jones said."

Three people are expected to join Jones in his walk. They will walk 15 miles a day for six days. Source: Kinston Free Press

Labels: prevention, awareness, childhood_health

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The Lawrence Township School Foundation was recently presented with a "Healthy Youth for a Healthy Future Champion Award" in recognition of its My Community Gets Healthy (MCGH) program. The award, which was presented by acting U.S. Surgeon General Rear Admiral Steven K. Galson, recognizes programs that address childhood obesity by helping kids stay active.

"My Community Gets Healthy is a comprehensive, sustainable fitness and wellness program that has expanded into all Lawrence Township public schools. MCGH involves fitness instruction during and after school and also incorporates wellness instruction for families."

More than 700 students participated in MCGH's afterschool program, Up and Running. The students trained three days a week, with a goal of participating in a 5K or half-marathon run. Source: IndyStar

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An obesity prevention program called 5-2-1-Go! has been found to not only help prevent obesity, but reduce the risk of eating disorders among middle school girls. About 4% of girls who did not participate in the program developed disordered eating and weight loss methods, compared to just 1% of girls who did participate.

"The results suggest that it may be possible for school-based programs to help prevent obesity and eating disorder symptoms in adolescent girls."

The authors of the study feel further research is needed to determine if other obesity programs produce the same or similar results.

Labels: schools, prevention, girls

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A team from the National Institutes of Health recently reported that the current teen generation is likely to be the first generation whose life expectancy will not increase. This fact is largely due, they say, to the surge in childhood obesity.

"'Obesity prevention starts prenatally,' [Mary Margaret Gottesman, RN, PhD, CPNP, PNP] says. 'Although we don't understand exactly the mechanism, we have found that maternal overweight is a big predictor of overweight children.'"

Gottesman and others recommend that nurses, who perform height and weight checks during office visits, should input the data into a BMI (body mass index) calculator and keep an on-going record of each child's BMI, alerting a parent or guardian if the child is at risk of becoming overweight or obese. She also supports nutritional discussions with the whole family during wellness check-ups. Read more at News.Nurse.com.

Labels: prevention, body_mass_index, lifestyle

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The Nation Association of Chronic Disease Directors has established an Obesity Workgroup intended to focus strictly on obesity prevention in America.

"Today's environment does not always promote healthy food and physical activity choices... Our nation's children are facing a burden of chronic diseases, which will impact the quality of their lives, and ultimately, may cripple the U.S. health care system."

The Workgroup will create an open forum where health departments from various states can dialogue and brainstorm prevention and health promotion ideas. Read more online.

Still looking for a summer camp for your overweight child? Check out Wellspring Camps to find a camp near you.

Labels: prevention, exercise, healthy_living

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Do you feel discouraged that you can't seem to get your kids to sustain vigorous exercise for longer than a few minutes? A new study suggests that even 15 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise can reduce the risk of obesity, by as much as 70% in boys and 39% in girls.

Researchers from the University of Bristol in England found that boys and girls who increased their exercise even a little bit had a corresponding decrease in fat mass, which over time, may help to prevent obesity.

While the researchers were surprised that such a small change could provide dramatic results, they caution that further studies are needed to draw a conclusion regarding exercise and obesity prevention. They also remind parents that diet plays a very important part in obesity prevention, too.

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Psychologist Dr. Peta Stapleton from the Griffith University School of Medicine seems to have found a technique that reduces food cravings and could help people who are overweight or obese. She calls it “psychological acupuncture” or – more formally - the Emotional Freedom Technique.

“Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) combines gentle tapping on pressure points while focusing on particular emotions and thoughts… [Dr. Stapleton’s] research also showed the impact on food cravings was almost immediate and long lasting. Food cravings significantly reduced after just four, two-hour sessions and were maintained at a six-month follow-up.” [Source: Research Australia]

Though the study didn’t show any significant impact on body weight or body mass index after six months, 12-month results were still being analyzed. Changes in eating may not be enough to promote weight loss, but it can be significantly beneficial for people who also exercise regularly.

 

Labels: prevention

Posted By: Stefanie Hamilton 0 Comments

On her way back from Mexico, first lady Michelle Obama stopped to visit a community farm in San Diego to help promote her anti-obesity initiative:

Obama toured the New Roots Community Farm to promote her ‘Let’s Move!’ campaign against childhood obesity. The event kicked off a $1 billion project by the California Endowment to fund healthy living initiatives in 14 communities across the state." (Source: The Associated Press)

The farm is planted, maintained and harvested by about 80 farmers who have immigrated to the San Diego area from countries around the world. Many of the workers plant the same crops that they grew in their native countries, giving the farm a decidedly international flair. The crop is used to feed the neighborhood, and is also offered for sale at local Farmer’s Markets.

Labels: childhood_obesity, prevention, awareness, obese teens

Posted By: Stefanie Hamilton 0 Comments

The Connecticut State Senate has approved legislation that bans soda from the state’s schools. The legislation is part of the state’s overall attempts to obesity among children and teens.

“Schools would not be permitted to sell regular to diet soda or electrolyte replacement drinks such as Gatorade under the bill. A narrow exception would allow sales at concession stands at school-sponsored events on weekends or after school.” (Source: Norwalk Citizen)

Schools will only be allowed to sell milk, soy or rice milk, and fruit and vegetable drinks in vending machines. The bill faced strong opposition by those who feel the state has no right to dictate food and beverage selections in local school districts. Governor M. Jodi Rell is expected to sign the bill into law.

 

Labels: sodas, schools, prevention

Posted By: Stefanie Hamilton 2 Comments

Across the country, parents, teachers and health professionals are weighing in on the best ways to prevent childhood obesity. Recently, the Obama Administration offered 70 recommendations aimed at reducing childhood obesity.

“Missing from the plan are any proposals to raise taxes on sugary drinks or snacks. But the strategy does include specific benchmarks for making progress toward cutting the obesity rate, including a goal of increasing the breast-feeding rate from 30 percent to 50 percent. Breast-fed babies are less likely to become obese, according to research.” (Source: Des Moines (IA) Register)

The plan also calls for more families to apply for food stamps, adding five million kids to federal school meal programs, and increasing incentives for farmers to produce more fruits and vegetables.

 

Labels: childhood_obesity, government, prevention

Posted By: Stefanie Hamilton 1 Comment

The United States Agriculture Department launched a contest for video designers to come up with games that children can play to teach them about nutrition and exercise. The contest is part of a government initiative led by First Lady Michelle Obama to combat childhood obesity.

Some in the videogame industry said the challenge was difficult, because they were used to designing games only for entertainment.

"Games with ulterior motives are a lot harder," said Joel Gonzales, of the International Game Developers Association.

Alex Fisher-Lasky, working at George Mason University, agreed.

"Everything goes smoothly until you start playing it and you realize it is not fun," he said. "You have to spend 60% of your time changing it, because the game is not fun."
 

Labels: prevention, video_games

Posted By: Jane St. Clair 1 Comment

A recent White House report stated that obesity is estimated to cause 112,000 deaths per year and that one-third of children 10-years-old are expected to develop diabetes at some point in their lives. The report also stated that the current generation of children, because of childhood obesity and related issues, may not outlive their parents.

“The White House report offers recommendations related to early childhood, parenting, food in schools, access to healthy and affordable food and physical activity. Taken individually, none of these is a silver bullet. Also, communities and families looking for solutions must realize that their goals need to be long term and their efforts must be sustainable.” [Source: Des Moines Register]

Unfortunately, the issues of childhood obesity and health didn’t develop overnight. They won’t be fixed overnight either. But comprehensive, long-term plans that include physical exercise and a balanced diet can very quickly start kids on the path towards a long and healthy life.

 

Labels: government, prevention, awareness

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Every year, the first week of May is set aside by the National Association for Sport & Physical Education to promote healthy, active lifestyles. This year, the organization is acknowledging the numerous programs, like Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move,” that have been launched to address obesity.

“Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates a positive correlation between physical education and academic achievement and the ability to concentrate. Further research positively links classroom physical activity to improved attention, achievement and behavior. Co-curricular physical activity is also correlated to educational aspirations, school affiliation, graduation and grade-point average.” [Source: Gannett Wisconsin Online]

One of the programs initiated for the spring is a fundraiser involving tens of thousands of children from Wisconsin. The kids will be jumping rope and shooting hoops to raise money for and awareness of heart disease.

 

Labels: prevention, awareness, obese teens, exercise

Posted By: Stefanie Hamilton 0 Comments

IBM’s Almaden Research Center in San Jose, California, is known for innovation, but most of its work is focused on databases and disk drives. Now, however, the tech savvy crew is teaming up with health care providers and government policymakers to tackle complex health issues.

“The first target will be childhood obesity, a growing phenomenon that has been declared a national concern by first lady Michelle Obama. Experts say excess weight in childhood is linked to a host of expensive health problems in adulthood, including heart disease and diabetes.” Source: Contra Costa (CA) Times]

The overarching, and very aggressive goal of the Research Center’s efforts is to answer the question: “If you have extra money to spend, would it be better to spend it on building another park, or having another part, or having more physical education in schools, or improving school lunch programs?”

All of these strategies have been proven effective, but rarely are they compared to each other. Experts hope this type of comparison will help both government and the private sector put their limited resources to the best use.

Labels: childhood_obesity, government, prevention, computers

Posted By: My Overweight Child 0 Comments

Third-grader Cameron Collins doesn’t much care that he can run a mile in under seven minutes, or that he’s able to focus better in class. He’s walked 120 miles over the course of the school year for one simple reason: prizes.

“The crowning achievement in the Feelin’ Good Mileage Club at West Elementary in Lancaster is one Collins long has surpassed. On Friday, 111 students who topped 26.2 miles got to throw a pie in the faces of the gym teacher and principal.” [Source: Zanesville Times Recorder]

Schools across Ohio have found creative, inexpensive ways to encourage physical activity in their students. In addition, the Ohio General Assembly has passed the Healthy Choices for Healthy Children act, which raises school nutritional standards and creates a pilot program requiring students to get 30 minutes of exercise per day.

 

Labels: schools, prevention

Posted By: Stefanie Hamilton 0 Comments

Community interventions that promote increased exercise and healthy eating for overweight children work best with very small children, according to a study from Deakin University in Australia.

• Dr. Boyd Swinburn and his colleagues studied more than 12,000 children, and found that interventions lose effectiveness as the children get older.
• They were most effective with children under five, and achieved few results for children in elementary and high schools.
• Children in the preschool group had rates of overweight and obesity at 3 percent less than the control group.
• Some of the older children who participated in community interventions had slower levels of weight gains.

"Once you get to high school aged children, trying to implement an intervention at the whole community level becomes more difficult." Dr. Swinburn said during his presentation at the International Congress on Obesity.
 

Labels: childhood_obesity, nutrition, prevention, exercise

Posted By: Aspen Education Group 0 Comments

Childhood obesity has reached epidemic status in the United States. Nearly one-third of all children are overweight or obese. Jacksonville, Florida – along with 70 other cities – will participate in a new initiative that aims to address obesity issues by adjusting existing social policy, rather than launching new programs.

“Among some of the changes sought by the initiative is a citywide policy that would make streets safer and more inviting for bicyclists and pedestrians. With Jacksonville recently ranked as the nation’s fourth-deadliest city for pedestrians, walking to school – or anywhere, for that matter – has become a dangerous and less-often used method of transportation.” [Source: The Florida-Times Union]

The initiative also seeks to keep schools open later in the day so that gyms and playgrounds are accessible. Members of the Healthy Kids, Healthy Jacksonville initiative admit there are obstacles to overcome with the schools, but say it’s an important component of the overall strategy.

Labels: prevention, awareness, community

Posted By: Stefanie Hamilton 0 Comments

Weis Markets, which has dozens of stores in five states, is introducing a new program aimed at helping combat childhood obesity. Called the Weis Mystery Tours, the field trip will be offered to elementary school students.

“During a 90-minute tour, students will play the role of Weis Detectives searching the store for clues to solve the Case of the Missing Energy. Weis Markets director of lifestyle initiatives, Karen Buch, developed the store-touring program, which is offered at no charge.” [Source: Drug Store News]

Tours will be available for both school and private groups, including home-schooled students, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. It will teach kids the importance of making good nutritional decisions, and will be based on the USDA’s MyPyramid principles.

 

Labels: prevention, elementary_school_students

Posted By: Stefanie Hamilton 1 Comment

A recent study of more than eight million California students found that instances of childhood obesity are beginning to level off in some cities, and fall in others. Many believe the study is proof that the state’s legislative and educational programs are starting to work.

The study, published in the September issue of Pediatrics, is tempered by the fact that obesity rates continue to climb for black and American Indian girls even as they fall for Caucasian and Asian children and level off for Latinos. [Source: Mercury News]

Researchers don’t know why there’s a disparity between ethnic groups, but they believe the positive results among Caucasian and Asian children shows that obesity-related issues can be overcome.

Labels: prevention

Posted By: Stefanie Hamilton 1 Comment

A group of Kentucky parents have taken the initiative to start an after-school program aimed at keeping kids away from video games and junk food. Together, they met with officials from Berea (KY) Community Schools and asked that a fitness program be created.

“Children in kindergarten through fifth grade will be able to participate in the program with the parks department on Mondays from 2:20 to 3:30 p.m. On Fridays children will have the opportunity to participate in Zumbatomic (Zumba designed for children). This program will be offered to children free of charge…” [Source: The Richmond (KY) Register]

Maggie Kriebel, director of Berea’s Parks and Recreation Department, said the parks department is excited to work with the parents and offer the program. It’s a great example of what parents and government officials can do together in the fight against childhood obesity.
 

Labels: schools, prevention, exercise

Posted By: Stefanie Hamilton 2 Comments

As parents, schools and doctors across the country work to address our nation’s childhood obesity issues, some think our solutions are incomplete. In a letter to the editor that appeared in the Aug. 30 edition of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Marc Tinsley of Tinsley Health Services added his name to this list:

“Simply replacing a child’s unhealthy foods with healthier selections without explanation or incentives won’t cut it. Instead of cooperating, the child is thinking, ‘You’re taking away my favorite food,’" Tinsley wrote.

"Similarly, when we tell our children to go outside and play, they are hearing ‘You can’t watch your favorite show.’" he continued. "The children should be learning about the benefits of wellness and the consequences of unhealthy habits so that they can make healthy choices for themselves”

 

Labels: nutrition, parenting, prevention, exercise

Posted By: My Overweight Child 1 Comment

The Walt Disney Company plans to spend $1 million to build playgrounds in ten underserved communities and to create a series of public service announcements aimed to inspire young people to eat healthy foods and to exercise more.

Disney's "Magic of Living" campaign will work in conjunction with First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" initiatives as another way to reverse the trends of childhood obesity in the United States.

Nearly one in five American children ages six to 19 is obese, which is three times the rate in 1980.

"We are very proud to take the next step in a long-term commitment to helping families achieve healthier lifestyles, and are especially gratified to work with the First Lady on the 'Let's Move' campaign, said Bob Iger, president of the Disney company.
 

Labels: prevention, awareness, playgrounds

Posted By: My Overweight Child 1 Comment

Parents contribute to the childhood obesity epidemic by not being interested in their children's losing weight and by being overweight themselves, according to a survey of Canadian pediatricians. The doctors told researchers that parents become defensive when they bring up the topic of their child's weight.

• Researchers from the University of Texas analyzed data from a survey of 860 Canadian children's doctors.
• The majority said that childhood obesity was a big problem, and yet only 20% said they had been successful in treating it in the past.
• The doctors told researchers that overweight parents have a "skewed" idea of what a healthy weight should be. Parents also prefer to ignore the issue as long as their child is happy and well-adjusted.

"We see a lot of moms and dads who say they want their kids to be happy, they don't want them to be teased, they want them to be able to keep up with the other kids," said Dr. Geoff Ball, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Alberta and director of the Pediatric Center for Weight and Health at the Stollery Children's Hospital. "If those things have not happened or if families haven't been tuned in on those things, when a doc says, 'Your kid is obese and you need to do something about it,' that might not even register because nothing negative has happened in the functional realm yet."

The study appears in Child Health, the journal of the Canadian Pediatric Society.
 

Labels: prevention, canada, parents, pediatricians

Posted By: My Overweight Child 1 Comment

In a Nov. 26 article on the website of Arizona news station ABC15, registered nurse and lactation consultant Doreen L. Connor reported that infants who are breastfed by their mothers are less likely to become overweight than are non-breastfed youth:

When we discuss the topic of childhood obesity, we need to start at the beginning -- when they are still infants.

According to a study published on the Centers for Disease Control website, each month a baby is breastfed, the odds of being overweight goes down by 4 percent, up to nine months. The results showed a 30 percent decrease overall in the chances the baby will be overweight, compared to a baby who is never breastfed.

Labels: prevention, mothers, infant

Posted By: My Overweight Child 1 Comment

The problem of childhood obesity is getting attention from states, schools, and even the First Family. Despite all the attention and efforts, however, most experts agree that we still have a long way to go.

“In their latest national report on the issue, the Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found that efforts to help haven’t started to turn around the nation’s weight problem. In fact, resident of many states are heavier than ever, according to 2007-2009 data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention taken from surveys of Americas.” [Source: The Columbus Dispatch]

Across the country, organizations have started Farmer’s Markets, added parks and sidewalks, and encouraged people to bike to work and school. Legislators admit that measurable changes will take time but that the right steps are being taken.

 

Labels: prevention, awareness

Posted By: Aspen Education Group 0 Comments

Having college students become mentors for inner-city middle school students helps the younger children develop healthier lifestyles, according to a study published in the journal Pediatrics.

• Researchers from the University of Maryland School of Medicine paired 235 African American children.
• The children, ages 11 through 16, were from low-income communities.
• The mentors were African-American college students or recent college graduates.
• The mentors talked to the children about food, took them to restaurants and food stores, and showed them how to remain physically active by hiking, skating and other sports.

By the end of this study, the rate of overweight and obesity among the younger children declined from 38% to 33%.

"We tried to normalize being healthy and taking care of yourself," said author Dr. Maureen Black. "We wanted to make it normal to be healthy and fit."
 

Labels: childhood_obesity, prevention, childhood_health, mentors

Posted By: Aspen/CRC 1 Comment