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

Shirley Alexander from the Children's Hospital at Westmead (in New South Wales, Australia) believes the growing problem of childhood obesity is outpacing available resources. As a result, surgery may soon become an option.

"'The hospital has recognized, as has the state (of NSW), that we need to do something and face this problem,' she told ABC Radio today... 'Part of the NSW health plan is looking towards funding some [surgery] so we may actually see an increase in surgical measures for severely-obese older adolescents.'"

The primary focus currently is a family-based approach that teaches about healthier lifestyles and encourages changes in the whole family. Source: The Australian News

Labels: lifestyle, resources, obesity surgery

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Beginning December 1st, Michigan doctors will have a toolkit designed to help them address the problem of childhood obesity. Developed for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan by eight area doctors, it is believed to be the state's first comprehensive childhood obesity toolkit of its kind.

"Containing about 20 pages of information for physicians, as well as posters to adorn their waiting rooms, the kit offers a number of... helpful resources, including: Body mass index charts that are age-specific for children and offer a quick and efficient way to gauge a child's weight in proportion to his or her height and age."

Other resources include ways to identify and manage type-2 diabetes and hypertension in children, and ways to effectively communicate with families about the importance of developing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The Sierras Solution is another great tool for families dealing with obesity.

Labels: resources, tools, information

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...Do Something about Childhood Obesity

Launched in 2005, the National Institute of Health's We Can! campaign aims at equipping parents and caregivers with the resources they need to help children live healthier lives.

"Parents and caregivers are the primary influencers for this age group. We Can! offers parents and families tips and fun activities to encourage healthy eating, increase physical activity and reduce sedentary or screen time."

The We Can! web site also offers community groups and resources for health professionals. Read more online.

Labels: parents, influences, resources

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