Monday, September 20, 2010

Childhood Obesity

by Helen

Topic: Why do you think 32% of American children are overweight or obese?

I think that 32% of American children are overweight or obese due to a number of factors. The original family as we know it has diminished over the years. The economy has caused numerous changes in the way we govern our schools and daycares. Attention on weight loss and nutrition has become one of the largest money making schemes today.

The original family as we know it has diminished over the years. We have more single parent families now than we've had in a long time. We have more married couples, where both parties work, in the household than ever before. This creates stress on families, where it is so much easier to order out or pop in a pizza. Parents are overworked and have no time to prepare food that is healthy for the children. Their intentions are good but to prepare a good healthy meal is very time consuming and that only adds to a stressful day.

The economy has taken a slide downward where you could at least depend o the schools and daycares to provide a healthy breakfast and lunch. To save money in the school system, they have resulted in pre-packaged food. The schools and daycares now rely on foods that can be microwaved and maybe an apple or banana may happen to make its way on the child's tray.

Attention on weight loss has become one of the ways companies excel today. They have actors and actresses to show how they have lost weight and can still eat what they want. The companies offer success you can't do by yourself. You have to purchase their program which includes food, counseling and sometimes a gym membership. This industry is grossing millions of dollars. To eat healthy is very expensive through these companies. Their advertisement offers hope. All Americans love hope. Actually everyone loves hope.

In closing, we as parents need to step up to the plate. Our children do not need a choice of what they eat. We need to choose for them and this needs to be a healthy choice. Let's not rely on the schools and day care to make the right choices. Let's make their lunches and ensure ourselves that they will eat healthy. Set aside a time to eat at the dinner table. Eating dinner together will mold you to making a balanced dinner. It will come natural to you. Don't get caught up in the weight loss industry. They cannot offer you anything that you can't offer yourself with a little determination and motivation. Involve your children in setting the table. I guess it all comes down to the good old days. Cut off the TV -- play a board game like Twister for fun exercise. Remember it starts at home.

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