Obesity - you will not WIN!!

No one wants to think that their child is overweight, but, the truth is according to the Alliance for a Healthier Generation that about 25 million kids and teens in the US are overweight or at risk for being overweight. That is nearly one in every three young people! (Ages 2-19)

These are scary stats folks and we as parents need to step up and help out our children as well as educate those around us. How can we do this?

First, the facts:

Obese and overweight children are at risk for serious health problems.
a. Diabetes (type 2)
b. Higher risk of asthma
c. Increased risk of heart failure

Access to healthy food and physical activity is disappearing.
a. Poor nutrition
b. Unregulated nutrition
c. Less physical activity - did you know that 92% of elementary schools DO NOT have physical education classes year-round:0
d. Disappearing recess

Different Economic, Racial, and Ethnic Groups are more at risk.
a. Poor health care
b. Limited access
c. Skyrocketing diabetes risk

How can we help our children to learn and become more active and healthy?

At School
Parents, community members and students are making a huge difference in schools by making sure there are plenty of healthy foods and physical activity opportunities at school.

At Home
This is HUGE - parents we do make a difference!
Our kids require 1 hour or more of physical activity each day.

At the Doctor
The goal of the Alliance Healthcare Initiative is for more that 6.2 million children to have access to this healthcare benefit.

In the Community
After-school programs, community centers and the like play, an essential role in encouraging youth to live healthier lives. Encourage youth to join www.empowerme2b.org to make their commitment to eat healthier and move more.

In Business
The Alliance is working with leading companies in the industries that touch the lives of kids and families.

**Credit for the above info goes to the "Alliance for a Healthier Generation". www.healthiergeneration.org

WOW - what a task we have, but it is so worth the time, energy, and effort this will continue to take as we strive for more active and healthier children.

Here is a book I want to recommend that I use in my daycare. I find this book fun, fun, fun and hey, if you don't like to sing, so what - just go with it:))


**"What Will We Play Today" by Veronica Larkin and Louie Suthers
also, try "Cooking up a Story" by Carol Catron and Barbara Parks

Let's give childhood obesity a piece of our mind. Our children are precious and we control their lifestyles, not the media, commercials and other people or outside stimulus.

Whimsy and Chaos with a touch of "Obesity - you will not win"!!