Obesity is a preventable problem that seems to be getting out of control in today’s youth. Overweight children are developing serious diseases such as type II diabetes and heart conditions. These conditions can even worsen as the child’s weight elevates and they grow older. However, many of their weight problems and serious illness is perfectly preventable simply by eating healthy and exercising. Because of this serious epidemic in children, pediatricians are trying to screen patients more carefully. But, there are some things that the parents, schools and communities can do to offer additional assistance with this serious matter.
Obesity in a child can be controlled, thus serious heart problems, congestive heart failure and even diabetes are preventable in this population. Parents need to offer fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grain snacks instead of the popular and high fat chips, sugary drinks, candy or ice cream. Choice is very important for children and providing those healthy choices is instrumental to a child’s health. Many parents are wising up and are encouraging healthy eating and taking children outside to play.
In addition to education of parents, guardians and children themselves, there are more efforts to get the word out through the public school systems. Teachers are teaching about the benefits of a healthy diet and alternatives to candy and soft drinks are being offered in school lunches. In fact many schools that were previously selling these high fat items are now selling healthier options. The Cola machines and candy bars have been taken out. Schools that were using these machines as a type of revenue are turning to other ways to make money.
There is also an increased effort to provide gym classes and physical education. Several years ago many schools removed the gym class in favor of other school classes. This proved to be a serious error when school children suddenly had expanding waist bands and compounding health problems. The country is finally realizing that removing gym class simply causes more harm than good. Children have to have a time to run and play. They need that time to expend extra energy as well as the benefit that exercise has on their health.
If the parents, community and schools work together we can turn around the pediatric obesity problem that this country faces. Children need to see the benefits of eating right and exercising. Parents need to make the right choices for themselves so that they can model to positive behaviors to their children. In the end, the children that grow up out of this will be healthier and will continue to model those behaviors and choices to the next generation.