We're all pretty tired of hearing about childhood obesity. But in case you need a reminder, here are just some of the startling statistics:
We've heard the bad news so often, it seems that we've become numb to the seriousness of a situation which, experts predict, will make this generation the first to have a shorter lifespan than their parents.
So let's stop talking about it and do something about it. But where to start?
If you want to play the blame game, you could point your finger at a lot of possible culprits:
All of this is true, but blaming restaurants, schools, the government, and electronic gadgets will not help our kids. Instead, it's time for us as parents to put love into action and take full responsibility for our children's health.
Here are some do's and don'ts that will help you make the diet and lifestyle changes that will turn the statistics around and give your children the foundation for long, healthy lives:
If you're serious about helping your child attain and maintain a trim and fit body, you must be the first one in your family to make the changes that will put all of you on track in this race for fitness. Whether you have a weight problem yourself or not, the way you live your life sets the bar for the lifestyle habits of your children. You can't be a junk-food eater and an inactive couch potato and expect your child to be anything different. That means it's time to:
Even if you're a working parent, it's important to arrange for active, productive after-school and weekend time for your child that does not include snacking and a passive electronic entertainment:
As kids get older and spend more time away from home with money in their pockets, it's tough to micro-manage every morsel of food they eat, but, at the very least, make sure that the food in your home is low-cal and nutritious:
Give yourself permission to say "no" with confidence. You're the parent; you have the right and the responsibility to take charge of your child's health and well-being:
Is it easy to keep our children trim and fit while living in a junk-food, high-calorie world? No, not at all. But that's why our kids can't do it alone. They need our guidance, support, and example to help them establish lifestyle habits that will lead to a healthy, long life.
Tony Sparber is the founder/owner of New Image Camps: Camp Pocono Trails, PA and Camp Vanguard, FL. New Image Camps are designed to provide the most comprehensive summer weight-loss program for children and teens in the country. For additional information call 1-800-365-0556 or visit www.newimagecamp.com [2].
Sources:
Gentile DA, Reimer RA, Nathanson AL, Walsh DA, Eisenmann JC. Positive Effects of Parental Monitoring of Children's Media Use: A Prospective Study. JAMA Pediatrics 2014;doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2014.146 (published online March 31, 2014).
Links:
[1] https://www.momsteam.com/node/3020
[2] http://www.newimagecamp.com
[3] https://www.momsteam.com/nutrition/healthy-back-school-diet-teens-essential
[4] https://www.momsteam.com/nutrition/healthy-snack-choices-children-and-teens
[5] https://www.momsteam.com/health-safety/childs-physical-activity-level-may-predict-future-heart-health
[6] https://www.momsteam.com/nutrition/family-health-more-fruits-vegetables-regular-exercise
[7] https://www.momsteam.com/nutrition/fruits-vegetables-following-colors-rainbow-to-better-health
[8] https://www.momsteam.com/health-safety/physical-activity-guidelines-active-children-adolescents