By John Furnem

The three major keys in losing weight and having a successful diet plan are regular physical activity, performed on a set schedule and without exception the physical activity will encourage the child to get better and hopefully cause him or her to focus on activity rather than on food or the discomforts of the diet.

The next key to fighting childhood obesity is naturally a diet, making a diet plan should be done after advising with a diet professional that has all the tools and information about your child and his or her needs. making a realistic plan that will take a long time to complete you will gradually adapt new eating habits, showing the child that there are different kinds of foods and that making the child conscience of the things they eat and their effect on weight and the body. Increasing the awareness to the effect of different foods is a very important thing since it clearly identifies the cause and effect relationship to the child.

The last key for beating childhood obesity is as important and as natural as the first two, it is slowly and gradually changing the behavior of the child, and sometimes of the whole family, the new behavior patterns can be treated as rules first, make sure you explain why it is not good to eat candies, and more impotently you should make sure that your child knows that from time to time he or she are allowed to make an exception and have a candy, do not delete and block sweets from their lives completely since this usually has the opposite effect on kids.

The behavior change is a major one and if effects all the rest of the keys mentioned here, you should try and set rules in the beginning, if you can have a family meeting and set those rules it will be beneficial for everyone, making the children feel that they are setting these rules, you should encourage your kids to set rules and live by them, when you first start you can also join their activities to show them they are not alone, and from time to time you could explain how important it is to follow the rules and the benefits that are waiting in the end of the road.

A technique I have heard about some time ago uses imagination and positive thinking to encourage obese children to maintain a diet and physical activity routine. The parents have a weekly talk with the child and they go over all the last week events, good and bad, trying to explain what happened and why, not forgetting to compliment the child on his or her achievements. Once the events have been reviewed and points made clear the parent and the child close their eyes and imagine how it would be like in a month or two ahead, with more weight loss and better fitness and daily routine, talk about all the benefits of losing weight, like nicer clothes, better feeling, more energy, social admiration and so on, just make sure that the goals are realistic and can be achieved in a month or two of hard work, when your child achieves this you should mention the talk to him or her and demonstrate how belief and will power has real effect on life.

John Furnem specializes in work psychology and Stress disorders, he has written articles and held workshops/seminars on the effect of stress on children and adults . John writes articles on Childhood Obesity for ZupaTips.com

Tags: Childhood Obesity, Helping Child

By Bill Herren

Experts tell us that obesity is common enough in children that we could refer to it as an epidemic. If a child is obese there is a very good chance that child will grow up to be obese. This could lead to problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, poor self esteem, depression and many more problems that we hope our children will not have to deal with.

What can we do to help our children reach their ideal weight? Remember that your child did not become overweight overnight nor will they reach their ideal weight overnight. Be patient - healthy habits develop slowly over time and remember that your child is learning from you - you may need to change some of your habits as well. If you are eating healthy and leading an active life, chances are your child will too.

* Limit TV time - Put off turning on the television until 8:00 PM. Take a walk after dinner with your child * Limit the video games and look into some of the new 'active' video games such as dance dance revolution or ddr. * Give positive feedback when your child exercises and makes wise food choices * Eat meals and snacks on as tight of a schedule as you can * Be aware of what your child may be eating at their friends houses * Keep only healthy foods in your house * Encourage your child to play outside on nice days * Consult with your doctor

Review your childs eating habits with your doctor. Ask your doctor if your childs eating habits are healthy and providing enough nutrition to your growing child. Try to avoid 'dieting' but choose healthy eating and an active lifestyle instead.

There are many wonderful resources and books available on childhood obesity. Select the ones that encourage health and activity.

Bill Herren is the webmaster for http://www.proweightloss.com bringing you top rated diet weight loss supplements and weight loss ebooks

Tags: Childhood Obesity, Ideal Weight

By Brittany Hidahl

Childhood obesity is a growing problem in the United States. According to the CDC, since the 70s, the prevalence of obesity in children ages 6-11 has increased from 6.5. However, a recent RAND Corporation study says that school playgrounds and athletic facilities can be important tools in the fight against childhood obesity. Given these facts, it is more important than ever for children to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating right and getting regular exercise every day. At Creative Systems, we believe that we can get children active in a fun and creative way. Our play systems offer entertainment and activity for children of all ages. The combination of ground, elevated, and stand alone systems encourage children to climb, slide and swing. Children can enjoy their play and at the same time, receive valuable health benefits.

According to Dr. Amy Bohn, it is important that physical activities are fun. 'Exercise shouldnt be a chore, especially for children,' she says. 'With warm weather outside, kids can do a variety of activities that involve both fun and fitness.' Creative Systems agrees. This is why we believe quality playground equipment is so important for the physical and mental health of your child.

Creative Systems playground equipment not only encourages physical activity, but mental and social interaction as well. We offer a variety of play components, everything from slides to climbers to seesaws and rockers. Our playgrounds are not only safe and durable but also bright, colorful, and appealing to children of all ages. Our play systems are designed according to specific age groups so that children can have their own unique and age-appropriate equipment. Younger children can explore their creativity at our activity tables and play on our smaller scale play systems. Children of elementary school age will enjoy more physically challenging equipment. One of our main goals is to get your children outside, playing in the fresh air. On our play systems they can stay health and learn valuable lessons in their social interaction with other children their own age. Creative Systems supports the physical health of your child, as well as his/her psychological and social health.

For more information and articles like this please visit us at http://www.creativesystems.com . Scroll down then click on 'industry links'.

Brittany Hidahl Creative Recreational Systems, Inc. 3039 Kilgore Road, Suite 130 Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 Phone: 916.638.5375 Fax: 916.638.5427 www.creativesystems.com

Childhood obesity is a growing problem in the United States. According to the CDC, since the 70s, the prevalence of obesity in children ages 6-11 has increased from 6.5. However, a recent RAND Corporation study says that school playgrounds and athletic facilities can be important tools in the fight against childhood obesity. Given these facts, it is more important than ever for children to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating ……

Tags: Childhood Obesity, Commercial Playgrounds

By Bonny Halloween, slumber parties, birthdays — sometimes, it seems like childhood is one big food fest. It is difficult to deprive your child with special delicacies and delights when all her friends are having a grand feast.
However, this simple condition can bring about more trouble than you can think of. Treating your child occasionally may be good, but giving them the chance to devour every sweets and treats that they want could mean one big problem — childhood obesity.
In some instances, some people claim that genetics can play a major part in childhood obesity. It does, but not as big as the role that parents do. It is a falsehood that genetic materials induce a child to be heavy at an early age.
For the greater part of the population, genetic materials may establish the lower maximum values of people's weight, but people themselves establish the higher maximum values by their food choices. In addition, since most kids cannot simply set the limits and choose the food that they need to eat, it is the duty of the parents to set the limits.
You do not know how to do it? Here are some tips that will help you keep track of your child's food and eating regimen and help him fight childhood obesity.
1. Happy Halloween!
As the only festival dedicated almost completely to overeating on "sugar-laden treats," Halloween holds an extraordinary place in hell for most parents dealing with childhood obesity.
This can understandably be a very tough time for your child to get through, but you can make it easier. Try focusing on the real spirit of the season and make a special haunted house for the kids, or let them have a "spooktacular" party with ghost stories, rubber spiders, and the old "spaghetti intestines and grape eyeballs" game.
For younger kids, a costume party with pumpkin painting and other activities is always fun. The important thing is that you shun away your kinds from any signs of sugary sweets.
2. Overnight trips
The first solo sleepover can be nerve-wracking for both you and the host parents. Kids old enough for slumber parties and overnight trips are typically at least starting to manage some of their own food and diet regimen, which helps.
Spend some time with the parents in advance of the event to give them a briefing on what your child might potentially need, and make yourself available via phone for any questions they might have.
Provide them with healthy snacks that they can eat and give them nutritious to cook.
3. Calorie-conscious kiddos
It is important to teach your child about the kinds of foods that they are expected to eat. Splurge some time teaching your child the comparative calorie substance. That will make your child make better food choices.
It is better to teach them early how to read food labels to help boost their food awareness.
4. Snack on the right foods
Children are very vulnerable to snacks; hence, it would be difficult to remove them. The only best way to prevent childhood obesity is to allow them to snack on the right foods. Give them some apples instead of a bar of chocolates.
Keep in mind that eating is a habit. If your children's eating regimen has been accustomed to healthy eating from the very start, they will grow healthy and strong.
Indeed, fighting childhood obesity is not a problem. It is just in the manner parents teach their children the right stuffs to eat.

obesitytopics.com is a free information site that offers articles and resources on Obesity. If you want to read or share information on Health %26 Fitness, you're always welcome!

Tags: Child Fight, Childhood Obesity

By Chidi Halloween, slumber parties, birthdays — sometimes, it seems like childhood is one big food fest. It is difficult to deprive your child with special delicacies and delights when all her friends are having a grand feast.
However, this simple condition can bring about more trouble than you can think of. Treating your child occasionally may be good, but giving them the chance to devour every sweets and treats that they want could mean one big problem — childhood obesity.
In some instances, some people claim that genetics can play a major part in childhood obesity. It does, but not as big as the role that parents do. It is a falsehood that genetic materials induce a child to be heavy at an early age.
For the greater part of the population, genetic materials may establish the lower maximum values of people's weight, but people themselves establish the higher maximum values by their food choices. In addition, since most kids cannot simply set the limits and choose the food that they need to eat, it is the duty of the parents to set the limits.
You do not know how to do it? Here are some tips that will help you keep track of your child's food and eating regimen and help him fight childhood obesity.
1. Happy Halloween!
As the only festival dedicated almost completely to overeating on "sugar-laden treats," Halloween holds an extraordinary place in hell for most parents dealing with childhood obesity.
This can understandably be a very tough time for your child to get through, but you can make it easier. Try focusing on the real spirit of the season and make a special haunted house for the kids, or let them have a "spooktacular" party with ghost stories, rubber spiders, and the old "spaghetti intestines and grape eyeballs" game.
For younger kids, a costume party with pumpkin painting and other activities is always fun. The important thing is that you shun away your kinds from any signs of sugary sweets.
2. Overnight trips
The first solo sleepover can be nerve-wracking for both you and the host parents. Kids old enough for slumber parties and overnight trips are typically at least starting to manage some of their own food and diet regimen, which helps.
Spend some time with the parents in advance of the event to give them a briefing on what your child might potentially need, and make yourself available via phone for any questions they might have.
Provide them with healthy snacks that they can eat and give them nutritious to cook.
3. Calorie-conscious kiddos
It is important to teach your child about the kinds of foods that they are expected to eat. Splurge some time teaching your child the comparative calorie substance. That will make your child make better food choices.
It is better to teach them early how to read food labels to help boost their food awareness.
4. Snack on the right foods
Children are very vulnerable to snacks; hence, it would be difficult to remove them. The only best way to prevent childhood obesity is to allow them to snack on the right foods. Give them some apples instead of a bar of chocolates.
Keep in mind that eating is a habit. If your children's eating regimen has been accustomed to healthy eating from the very start, they will grow healthy and strong.
Indeed, fighting childhood obesity is not a problem. It is just in the manner parents teach their children the right stuffs to eat.

obesitytopics.com is a free information site that offers articles and resources on Obesity. If you want to read or share information on Health %26 Fitness, you're always welcome!

Tags: Child Fight, Childhood Obesity

By Mark Neal

The prevalence of obesity in minors is increasing in the United States. Childhood obesity is rounded at a critical stage as approximately 15.3%25 of children ages 6-11 and 15.5%25 of adolescents ages 12-19 are overweight, and an additional 15%25 children and 14.9%25 adolescents are at risk for overweight.

Childhood obesity is on the rise and the victims are all at risk to developing Type II Diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and other obesity-related diseases at a very young age. So early in their development stage and their life expectancy already becomes predetermined limited. And at their short lifespan their memories are crammed with insults, bullying, and destruction of self-esteem. What could be the reason for their mishap?

The reason for this is two-fold. First is the genetic-factor adding to the vulnerability for childhood obesity and second and most notably, the passing-down of poor lifestyle and eating habits.

Sorry to say but the current age is made up of digital generation kids spellbound by inactive indoor entertainment and fast food convenience. Surrounded by computers, video games, and the television, children are hard to pull from the couch to have a healthy and worthwhile physical activity outdoors. And even when they eat it's difficult to keep them from sweet and fat-saturated snacks impossible for them to burn-off. Finally when they go to school the bad custom is enforced ever more as virtually all kids do the same. - The result, widespread childhood obesity. So what should the parent do?

Not to be obese themselves is one. Yet childhood obesity is such a serious condition that efforts of providing a good example through proper nutrition and efficient exercise at home still requires established guidelines that'll help parents and school-systems make significant changes against the problem.

These weight-health guidelines are crucial to educate all children about the perils and reality of childhood obesity and encourage them to participate in all efforts dealing with the issue. Encouragement of children to eating healthy foods and getting plenty of exercise shall produce results rather than futile if the health measures are imposed. Parents need to ensure their children about the importance of choosing healthy habits. Yet, they also need to make the assurance that such healthy alternatives are available.

Concerned individuals should keep with the USDA 'Prescription for Change' and 'Healthy School Nutrition Environments'. School canteen meals should comply with nutritional standards and guidelines, while providing plenty of food choices and introducing new foods to keep the menu healthy and interesting; additional vending machines and packaged 'snacks' should represent the 5-major food groups in the Food Guide Pyramid; students should have designated mid-day lunch periods at a healthy environment; and all decisions made by the school-system regarding student consumption should be based on nutritional goals and guidelines, and not on profit.

Efforts should also include education and information on healthy eating habits as well as active school activity programs for students from Kindergarten through Grade12.

As you track your kid's success - so also track his health.

http://www.childobesitysolution.com is a complete obesity solution
training center designed for both novices and experts. It is a place to share the latest in
lost weight strategies, tips and techniques for the long term survival

For more information on child obesity solution do visit

 

http://www.childobesitysolution.com

 

a website that specializes in providing obesity solution

and other related Information, Advice and Resources.

 

 

Mark Neal is an doctor on treatment obesity

he is a webmaster on http://www.childobesitysolution.com

Tags: Childhood Obesity, Diseases

By Adam Waxler

Copyright 2006 Adam Waxler

As a middle school teacher I see far too many overweight children and far too much childhood obesity. While the subject of childhood obesity and overweight children is sensitive, when I know the parent outside of the school setting I usually bring up the issue. Most parents respond with - I have tried everything to help my child lose weight - bribes, threats, punishment, diets, commiseration, even hypnotism and diet pills. Unfortunately, parents tell me, their overweight child usually lost weight, only to put it back on shortly after.

Most parents' biggest worry is that their child will be unhappy - that their child will be picked on and unpopular because she is fat. From a teacher's perspective I can completely understand these motives, but these days my concerns about overweight children and childhood obesity are far more serious than a little name-calling.

While name-calling can be devastating, what's scary these days is the growing evidence that childhood obesity leads to serious health complications. Too often parents think their child will "grow out" of their weight problem. However, doctors today find that they're diagnosing children as young as ten or eleven years old with conditions that were once thought to be for middle-aged people only. Diabetes, heart conditions, and arthritis - all of these conditions have a clear established connection with obesity, whether it is childhood obesity or adult obesity does not matter. The fact is, health conditions related to obesity do not discriminate based on age. It's enough to scare any parent into extreme methods to try to help their child lose weight, but there are healthy ways to accomplish this weight loss goal.

First: Consult a Doctor

Don't decide on your own that your child needs to lose weight. Many of us have grown up with distorted body images that we pass on to our children. Be sure that you're not seeing your child through your own misconceptions about ideal weight, and let a doctor make the judgment call.

If your doctor agrees that your child is overweight, your best bet is to serve up a healthy daily diet within the USDA Food Pyramid Guidelines and encourage daily exercise to help speed up his metabolism and start burning more calories.

Beyond that, here are some more weight loss tips for overweight children:

1. Put everyone in the family on a weight loss diet. Since the best way for your child to lose weight is to eat a healthy diet, doesn't it make sense that your entire family will benefit from eating the same way? Your overweight child will feel far less deprived if everyone is eating the same foods.

2. Serve an after school snack. It may be tempting to cut out the after school snacks, but the truth is you'll be doing more harm than good. The human body was never designed for the "three square meals a day'" regimen. A healthy snack in the mid-afternoon will actually speed up your child's metabolism and, at the same time, ward off the "I'm starving" feeling that leads to overeating at dinner.

3. Shop smart. Don't buy the chips and cookies at the supermarket, but instead grab the low-fat yogurt, fresh fruit and fruit cups, sugar free applesauce and other natural treats. If you make healthy snacks available and unhealthy ones difficult to find, you'll keep temptation out of the way.

4. Exercise with your overweight child regularly. Instead of having your overweight child sit in front of the computer or zone out with his iPod, pull together a neighborhood game of kickball or soccer, or simply take a walk around the block as a family. If you can get a family membership to a health club with a pool, make a family swim a once-a-week event. This weight loss tip does much more than help your overweight child lose weight; it also creates a better relationship between you and your children.

5. Don't cook too much food. Instead, cook just the right amount. In other words, only prepare one portion per family member. That heads off requests for seconds before they even start asking.

Having overweight children, or worse, being confronted with childhood obesity, is a serious matter. Yes, the name calling and social issues are significant, but more importantly, the health risks associated with overweight children and childhood obesity can be life threatening. By following the weight loss tips above, your overweight child will lose weight and build better social relationships with friends and family.

Adam Waxler publishes a series of weight loss information products including his weight loss blog that posts weekly weight loss tips @ http://www.weight-loss-machine.com/blog and his new weight loss resource filled with with FREE weight loss articles @ http://www.1-800-Weight-Loss.com

 

Tags: Childhood Obesity, Overweight Children

By Clarence Carter

Children have more energy requirements since they are in the growing stage. A nutritive diet is essential for their healthy development. Unlike adults, children are more prone to diseases. When they consume more number of calories than they actually burn, the extra calories get stored in their body in the form of fats.

Childhood obesity is of immense concern today. It has become a universal phenomenon. Children, who are overweight, tend to grow up as obese. Therefore, they develop higher risk of inheriting diseases in the later stages of life. Obesity is the gateway to many diseases such as, high blood pressure, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease etc. Health problems increase with obesity on a rise.

An obese child is often confronted with psychological distress. Teasing and bullying children about their appearance can affect their self esteem and make them lose their self-confidence. It can lead to isolation and depression at a young age.

Children generally tend to be overweight, if their parents are obese. But genetic factors are less significant in determining childhood obesity. Today, most of the children are obese because of their unhealthy eating habits and lack of exercises. High-calorie food such as junk food, beverages and confectionaries are fatty and causes obesity in children. Children spend several hours in watching television. As a result, obesity is greater in such children as they hardly devote time towards any physical activity.

Experts advise that children should not be stressed to lose weight. Instead they should be persuaded to maintain a healthy weight so that they slowly and steadily grow into it, as they get taller.

Awareness amidst parents and adults regarding childhood obesity is important. They must try to inculcate healthy eating habits in their children. Fast foods such as burgers, pizzas, macaroni, hot dogs, chocolates, cakes and crisps should be avoided. A healthy nutritive diet enriched with proteins and vitamins should be taken. Avoid taking fried foods. Try to grill or bake the food. A healthy breakfast of milk with wholemeal wheat biscuits and a fruit is a good start for the day. Keep your children away from carbonated drinks that have high sugar content. Substitute them with fresh juices and other sugar-free drinks.

Indulgence of children in activities like gardening, skipping and cycling can help to prevent obesity. Encourage your children to walk down to school or the market, instead of simply jumping into the car. Motivate them to play games such as football, rugby, tennis etc.
Studies also indicate that breastfeeding a baby may reduce his chance of becoming obese, later in life.
A little improvement in the lifestyle can protect your children from being the victims of childhood obesity.

Clarence Carter received training as a healthcare scientist. She has been working in the same field and writes informative articles, weight loss being her pet subject. To find Weight Loss Drug, Cheap Diet Pills, Childhood obesity, Xenical Online visit http://www.weight-loss-drug.co.uk

Tags: Childhood Obesity, Mental Trauma

By John Furnem

Childhood obesity, what was once shocking and disturbing has now become a fact of life, as adult obesity increased childhood obesity is growing and rapidly increasing. With bad eating habits and fatty diet and some hereditary influence some kids are doomed to battle childhood obesity late into their twenties, childhood obesity has become a wide spread phenomena and the risks involved in childhood obesity are becoming clearer with time.

The numbers present a sad reality, one of five children is considered overweight, and this tendency only increases with time, childhood obesity is increasing in different ethnic groups, in both genders and all across the world, North America and Western Europe are leading the charts in regards to childhood obesity, but other regions of the world are not to far behind.

Some expert claim that if something is not done to stop childhood obesity immediately we will witness a whole generation becoming twice as heavy as its parents and grandparents were, with this gain of weight other health risks are becoming more and more evident and have a huge effect on larger groups.

It is clear that we have an epidemic of obesity in our country, and that, as we get used to seeing more overweight people at work, in school and on the streets, we are accepting this condition as reality, rather than working to change the situation.

For this increase in childhood obesity we can blame our way of life first, the car has replaced a lot of walking which was very important for our hearts and muscle mass, most of us spend most of our free time in front of the television or the computer, and most of the time we are in front of these appliances we also indulge in eating fatty food such as pizza and ice cream. Junk food has become an acceptable meal, what was once considered a last option for children meal has become the default in choosing our kids meals.

Lets consider the dangers of obesity, and bare in mind that we usually think of adults when we talk about these risks, which makes this even worst. Too little exercise.

And too much of the wrong kind of food is associated with Type II diabetes, all sorts of heart disease and blood pressure problems, joint problems related to weight bearing, self esteem and confidence issues, high cholesterol, mental problems such as depression and sleep disruption, unstable mental stamina, pulmonary problems. The research in this field points to one clear fact, if you are obese as a child you start a far higher chance to be an obese adult, so childhood obesity is not some childhood problematic phase that goes away after some time, childhood obesity can lead to a very problematic adulthood.

What can be done to prevent childhood obesity and how can we stop this dangerous tendency? First thing we could do right away is to stop using our cars so much and walk a little more, any kind of physical exercise is good for young children, we are not talking about gym and pushups, even an enjoyable basketball game, 45 minutes three times a week can do wonders, and the great thing about kids is that they enjoy playing - they sometimes just need a little encouragement to get them going. This alone can start you off in your battle against childhood obesity. Take childhood obesity seriously, it is not something that will go away, exercise and healthy eating are vital for a young body to develop well and to enjoy longevity and healthy life. Good luck fighting - and beating childhood obesity.

John Furnem specializes in human resources and work psychology he has written articles and held workshops/seminars on the effect of stress on children and adults . John writes articles on Childhood Obesity for ZupaTips.com

 

Tags: Childhood Obesity, Dangers of Obesity

By Donovan Baldwin

I don't know if childhood obesity is "rampant" or an "epidemic". What I DO know is that it does not have to happen to our children.

However, just to put things in perspective, over a recent 30 year period measured by the National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a study conducted every 10 years to survey the dietary habits and health of U. S. residents, certain changes in childhood obesity came to light. The following increases in numbers of overweight and obese children, as determined by body mass index measurements (BMI), occurred.

*Numbers of children aged 2-5 years increased from 5.0%25 to 13.9%25

*Numbers of children aged 6-11 years increased from 4.0%25 to 18.8%25

*Numbers of children aged 12-19 years increased from 6.1%25 to 17.4%25

CAUSES OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY

As with adults, the simple answer for the individual child is that when children take in more calories than they burn, they gain weight, i.e. become overweight and obese. However, children are influenced by societal factors, just as adults are, but they have less discretionary power to evaluate and decide as to the value of given nutritional and lifestyle choices, even in those cases where they are aware that a choice exists. Additionally, children are strongly influenced by what they are shown and taught by their elders, caregivers, siblings, and parents.

While it would be great if society would make an important enough issue of childhood obesity to turn the trend around, it is commonly the parents who will have the most influence for better or for worse on this issue.

Some common contributing factors to childhood obesity are:

1. Genetics: It has to be conceded that no matter what action parents, society, or the children themselves take, the genetic hand that the child was dealt will have a great impact on the outcome of any choices whether good or bad. However, the good news is that many negative genetic factors can be overcome to at least some extent by wise choices, which we will discuss in a few minutes.

2. Calorie Intake: As with adults, the more calories ingested, the more likely the path to obesity…particularly in the area of such empty calories as sodas and candy sweetened with sugar or corn syrup, for example. Other questionable choices are high fat snacks chosen in place of lower fat, more nutritionally dense snacks.

3. Calories Burned: Children used to burn calories by playing outside with other children, riding bicycles, and doing chores, just to name a few options. Today's kids often spend hours in front of a computer (like this big kid), only moving to go to the bathroom, get a snack, or to go sit in front of the TV for a few more hours.

4. Parental Influences: This can take many negative forms, not the least of which is the sedentary behavior exhibited by many parents. This trend can be seen in the rising numbers of overweight and obese adults. One of the most lasting and influential impacts on a child will be the examples set by the parents.

In parents' defense, let it be acknowledged that in today's family, it is often necessary for both parents to work outside the home. This, combined with the prevalence of fast food, perceived lack of time, stress, and a common lack of knowledge, and/or misconceptions about subjects such as exercise and healthy eating habits makes it easy for parents to provide a completely wrong example for their children, contributing to the children's' obesity problems while believing that they are doing everything they can to provide healthy meals and a good home.

RESULTS OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY

If obesity in childhood were something that would end when the child becomes an adult, it would still be a problem. While many still believe the main results are something so apparently simple as low self-esteem, depression, or poor social interactivity, or that the child will simply "grow out of it" there are results more deadly to be concerned about.

Childhood obesity causes and results usually carry over into adulthood predisposing the adult to such problems as higher risks for heart disease, cancer, debilitating effects of arthritis, diabetes, sleep apnea, strokes, and high blood pressure to name a few. Childhood obesity will also commonly result in an earlier onset of these diseases and conditions than would be found in an unfit adult with a fit childhood.

However, for me, one of the worst facts is that these conditions are being seen more and more in the children themselves. They are not waiting for adulthood to begin their attacks.

So, what can be done?

SOLUTIONS FOR CHILDHOOD OBESITY

As with adults, the bottom line answer for obese and overweight children is the effective combination of two important lifestyle choices:

1. Regular Exercise

2. Healthy Nutrition

Since parents are generally the most important people in the child's world, they are the ones who need to accept the first responsibility for turning this problem around, at least in their own children. Some steps they can take are simple yet effective.

They can encourage more outside play, for example. While enrolling a child in some sort of fitness activity such as gymnastics or martial arts can have all sorts of benefits for the child, an active day is the quickest and easiest "exercise" fix. Chores can be assigned, children can be encouraged to walk or bicycle when practical rather than waiting for a ride from Mom or Dad. TV and computer time can be limited, or even "bought" with activity.

While nutrition is a broad subject, basic nutritional choices often come down to "good" versus "bad". For example, what's better for your child, a slice of apple pie or an apple? This is not to say that children should always be denied treats, but they should be doled out responsibly, and healthy alternatives should become commonplace in the home.

Last, but not least, few things will help a child improve in health, fitness, happiness or anything else more than a parent's good example. They ARE watching, you know, and they will behave as you behave…sooner or later!

So, get up off the couch, grab a glove and go play catch with your child…or take them for a walk or a swim. Patch the bicycle tire, or have them take turns with you mowing part of the yard or raking leaves. Some kids are aching to have their parents do SOMETHING with them.

Who knows?

You might even find you are dropping a few pounds yourself!

Donovan Baldwin is a Texas writer. He is a University of West Florida alumnus, a member of Mensa, and is retired from the U. S. Army after 21 years of service. His interests include art, nature, animals, the environment, global warming, health, fitness, yoga, and weight loss. He has posted several of his articles on exercise and weight loss at http://nodiet4me.com/articledirectory/

 

Tags: Childhood Obesity, Solvable Problem

By Sam Weston

Seeing a child abused is one of the worst sights a mother can endure, so why is making your child obese any different? Childhood obesity is on the rise as well as adulthood obesity so why are we all concentrating on adults getting slimmer when it should be children that are our main focus. An obese child is something that cannot go unaddressed. The child will have some serous problems in his life if he is not made to loose this weight. He will be unhappy and unfit for the rest of his life if no one takes charge, how I he supposed to know any difference he is a child, it is the parents responsibility to make sure that the child gets better!

A child is less likely to be obese due to health problems and although genetics play a part in his obesity the lifestyle of his family contributes most to his disease. To be straightforward most childhood obesity stems from an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise. Although in this day and age being overweight is nothing of a surprise with junk food, takeaways and sweets everywhere you go and convenience not health is on everyone's mind! Not to mention that most children would rather sit in and watch television or play their console games than go out and play! Exercise is no longer a part of children's routine, they are lucky if they get two hours of exercise at school and at home it is non existent. The National Diet and Nutrition survey in 2000 showed that 40-69%25 of children did not get the one hour a day exercise that is recommended and there is concern that this number has increased.

Childhood obesity can be sorted if worked on from a young age, we do not want to have to watch our children getting bullied at school for being grossly overweight, or getting operations to prevent them from eating as much. We need to show our children to eat sensibly and we need to get them active. Most children copy examples from their parents so if we were to eat fresh fruit and vegetables then there is no reason why they can't. To help prevent childhood obesity try to eliminate a lot of the sweet stuff in the house and replace it with nutritional foods such as fruit, and low fat alternatives.

As well as an increasing mortality childhood obesity adds to the likelihood of contracting chronic diseases and we need to prevent this, we need to show our children that being overweight is not the life that they should be living and parents should buckle down and get their children eating properly or else obesity will lead us all into a recipe for disaster.

The author of this article is a contrubuting editor at ArticlePosts.com, today's one stop resource on many different subjects. Active hyperlink must stay w/article.

Tags: Child Abused, Childhood Obesity

By Brittany Hidahl

Childhood Obesity and How Commercial Playgrounds Can Help:

Childhood obesity is a growing problem in the United States. According to the CDC, since the 70s, the prevalence of obesity in children ages 6-11 has increased from 6.5. However, a recent RAND Corporation study says that school playgrounds and athletic facilities can be important tools in the fight against childhood obesity. Given these facts, it is more important than ever for children to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating right and getting regular exercise every day. At Creative Systems, we believe that we can get children active in a fun and creative way. Our play systems offer entertainment and activity for children of all ages. The combination of ground, elevated, and stand alone systems encourage children to climb, slide and swing. Children can enjoy their play and at the same time, receive valuable health benefits.

According to Dr. Amy Bohn, it is important that physical activities are fun. "Exercise shouldn't be a chore, especially for children," she says. "With warm weather outside, kids can do a variety of activities that involve both fun and fitness." Creative Systems agrees. This is why we believe quality playground equipment is so important for the physical and mental health of your child.

Creative Systems playground equipment not only encourages physical activity, but mental and social interaction as well. We offer a variety of play components, everything from slides to climbers to seesaws and rockers. Our playgrounds are not only safe and durable but also bright, colorful, and appealing to children of all ages. Our play systems are designed according to specific age groups so that children can have their own unique and age-appropriate equipment. Younger children can explore their creativity at our activity tables and play on our smaller scale play systems. Children of elementary school age will enjoy more physically challenging equipment. One of our main goals is to get your children outside, playing in the fresh air. On our play systems they can stay health and learn valuable lessons in their social interaction with other children their own age. Creative Systems supports the physical health of your child, as well as his/her psychological and social health.

For more information and articles like this please visit us at http://www.creativesystems.com . Scroll down then click on "industry links".

Brittany Hidahl
Creative Recreational Systems, Inc.
3039 Kilgore Road, Suite 130
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
Phone: 916.638.5375
Fax: 916.638.5427
www.creativesystems.com

Childhood obesity is a growing problem in the United States. According to the CDC, since the 70s, the prevalence of obesity in children ages 6-11 has increased from 6.5. However, a recent RAND Corporation study says that school playgrounds and athletic facilities can be important tools in the fight against childhood obesity. Given these facts, it is more important than ever for children to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating ……

 

Tags: Childhood Obesity, Commercial Playgrounds

By Sam Weston

Many people believe that the cause of childhood obesity is due to over eating and laziness and to an extent they are right but the main cause of childhood obesity are two reasons. The child's DNA and their parents. If people in the child's family have been struggling with weight gain for most of their life then the genes in that child will make them more susceptible to follow the same pattern, but that can be prevented by healthy eating and exercise which is where the parents come in. Children imitate their parents behaviour so if the parents were to eat healthily and live active lifestyles the child is sure to follow but in this day and age that is not the case and because more adults are going down the road of obesity more children are following them and ultimately suffering at the same hand of fate as their parents although it could easily be prevented!

Parents have the most influence on their child's life, they have the power to show the child that over eating and that lack of exercise is not acceptable in a young person's life and this is the cause of obesity problems later on in life. Obesity has some dreadful side affects and day to day life can be very unpleasant and simple tasks such as climbing stairs, taking a shower and other general things take more time and more effort because of the extra weight. This is even worse for a child, they need to be active and have fun!

The causes of childhood obesity are not so severe that obesity can be avoided! If you we teach oour children how to live an active and healthy lifestyle there is no reason why they should become obese even if they're family are full of obese people! Obesity is a cause and effect disease it is caused by several things over eating being the man one and the effects are horrible which complicated medical problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure and coronary heart disease! Childhood obesity can be avoided so lets try and do that, lets avoid it and help our children lead happy healthy lives with no health problems or emotional setbacks!

The author of this article is a contrubuting editor at ArticlePosts.com, today's one stop resource on many different subjects. Active hyperlink must stay w/article.

Tags: Childhood Obesity, Healthy Lifestyle