Stopping Childhood Obesity from Hitting Home

About 17 percent of children age 2 to 19 in the United States are obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). That
statistic has nearly tripled since 1980.

Obese children not only are more likely to be obese as an adult, but they are at risk for a number of health conditions, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, both of which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease; type 2 diabetes; breathing problems, such as sleep apnea and asthma; joint problems; and social and psychological problems.

“A combination of catastrophic things has led to our population of underfit and overweight children,” said Anne Brucker, M.Ed., exercise physiologist and founder of Brucker Fitness System. “Video games and television time coupled with diets of processed foods containing high sodium, corn syrup and saturated fat are the culprits.”

There are a number of factors that influence kids and their parents and ultimately lead to making unhealthy decisions, according to the
CDC. Some of these include:

• The availability of sugar drinks and less healthy foods at schools.
• The prominence of advertising of less healthy
  foods. Foods high in calories, sugar, fat and salt are marketed though media targeted to children, whereas the advertising of healthier food alternatives is almost nonexistent by comparison.
• Lack of daily, quality activity in schools.
• The lace of safe, fun places to be outside and at active play in many communities across the country.
• Limited access to healthy, affordable food.
• Too much time in front of the television.

Parents can combat these issues in several ways, according to Brucker, who has 20 years of experience teaching health and physical
education to students in kindergarten through grade 12.

“For starters, do not blame yourself or your child. Weight sneaks up on you. It goes on fast and comes off slow. Also, realize that it takes the love of an entire family to make a change. Every member of the family needs to embrace a healty diet, without exception. Provide popcorn, pretzels, graham crackers and low sugar cereal for snacking and grazing, and keep fruit available all the time. Use whole grains and lean meat, and find a vegetable that your child likes. Visit www.myplate.gov if you need assistance.”

Brucker also recommends that families increase their activity levels by taking a family walk after dinner for 30 minutes, which meets half of the recommended daily activity time that kids need.

Another option is to make the backyard into an activity center by creating a simple, handmade, low-to-the-ground balance beam, installing a chin-up bar and a hand-over-hand horizontal ladder. A basketball hoop and jump rope can provide active entertainment as well.

Getting your child involved in sports can provide a lifetime activity that will always enable your child to keep their weight under control,
Brucker advised.

“Look at your child the way a college recruiter would. Select a team sport, an individual sport and a lifetime sport that are compatible with his size and shape. You want them to be successful, so try to encourage a sport in which they can eventually earn a high school letter. Peer recognition gives kids confidence, and being a member of a team helps a child feel secure.”

As important as sports are, though, Brucker noted that academics rule, and that kids should keep a good balance between work and play.

“Forget about making fancy school lunches, and instead, check the math and reading homework,“ she said. “It is important to establish a
balance between academics, athletics and family. Parents create a confident and interesting environment for their child. Kids should know they have to eat well to do well in sports, and they have to study hard to do well in school.”

For more ideas on how to get your child moving, contact Brucker at annebrucker@verizon.net or visit www.bruckerfitness.com.