From Your Health Journal…..”As many of you know, I support a program called SPARK, and I encourage you to visit their site for some great information (link below). They have some great material on their web site, as well as a super program to help children lead healthy lifestyles and fight childhood obesity. When they post about childhood obesity, people should read it, as this is one of their main purposes. Childhood obesity is growing daily in many areas of the US and world. Although recently, there were some positive news about small declines in various parts of the US, it is not to be underestimated. Educating families on the importance of healthy lifestyle in mandatory, and encouraging children to take pride and effort in healthy lifestyle is also important. Please visit my friends at SPARK to learn more.”
From the article…..
Childhood obesity is a major concern in the United States. Over the past few decades there has been a dramatic increase in the number of children suffering from obesity. Kids are staying indoors more with limited physical activity and increased caloric consumption, resulting in a nationwide epidemic of obesity in our children. There are hundreds of organizations, large and small, fighting to stem this trend and help get our kids’ health back in check. But a business or non-profit can’t do it alone. Parents and kids must both be willing to change their habits to create a healthier lifestyle.
Causes of Childhood Obesity
There are many causes for childhood obesity, and sometimes a complex combination of circumstances work together to put our children at risk. One thing we know for sure is that reduced physical activity in school is a component and a risk factor for childhood obesity. Studies have shown that throughout our nation, less than one third of school-aged children (age 6-17) engage in physical activity – that is, activity that makes them sweat and increase breathing and heart rate for at least 20 minutes. And that’s just the minimum recommended amount of physical activity. There is no surprise here that childhood obesity has become a frightening epidemic in our country.
Risks of Child Obesity
High Cholesterol and Blood Pressure: High levels of “bad” cholesterol called LDL and also high blood pressure are common in obese children.
Bone and Joint Problems: There have been numerous cases of obese children experiencing a slipped growth plate in their hip bone.
Sleep Apnea: Obstruction of the child’s airway is common and can result in many other day-to-day problems like poor school performance and nighttime bedwetting on top of the primary risk where the individual stops breathing in their sleep.
Psychological Problems: Probably the most severe risk of obesity in kids is their emotional and psychological health. Kids will develop poor self-esteem and accept the fact that they will be obese their entire lives, making it extremely difficult for them to change their lifestyle in later years.
Type 2 Diabetes: What used to be only of concern in adults and very rare in children is not a major concern for obese kids.
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