In recognition of National Childhood Obesity Month, I felt it necessary to inform you of a national effort to eradicate childhood obesity in the United States and ensure young people get a healthy start in life. Texas ranks 7th out of the 50 states with the highest rates of obese 10-17 year olds. According to a study conducted, over 20 percent of 10-17 year olds in Texas are obese.
During the past four decades, obesity rates have soared among all age groups increasing more than fourfold among children ages 6 to 11. More than 23 million children and teenagers (31.8 percent) ages 2 to 19 are obese or overweight, a statistic that health and medical experts consider an epidemic.
The growing rate of childhood obesity in our country is alarming. National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month recognizes the serious threat obesity poses to the health of America’s children and the importance of decreasing its prevalence not only in Brown County, but across the entire Nation.
Obese young people have an 80-percent chance of becoming obese adults. As a result, they are more at risk for associated adult health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, stroke, several types of cancer and osteoarthritis.
The financial implications add up to a sobering $14 billion per year in direct health care costs alone. Americans spend approximately nine percent of their total medical costs on obesity-related illnesses. Additionally, there are psycho social consequences that can hinder academic and social functioning and persist into adulthood.
The good news is that childhood obesity is entirely preventable. By eating healthy and engaging in physical activity, young people can have a healthy lifestyle. It’s up to adults to model this behavior and encourage these healthy habits.
Here’s how we can start to encourage healthy behaviors:
Parents:
1. Keep fresh fruit in a bowl within your child’s reach to grab as a quick snack.
2. Take a walk or a bike ride with your family after dinner.
3. Plan a menu for the week. Get children involved in planning, shopping and cooking.
4. Turn off the TV during meals and share some family time.
5. Talk to the principal at your child’s school about organizing a school health team.
Kids:
1. Move everyday!
2. Try new fruits and veggies.
3. Drink lots of water. Replace your 12 ounce can of Coke with water every day and save 51,100 calories per year or about 15 pounds per year.
4. Do jumping jacks to break up TV time.
5. Help make dinner.
Childhood obesity is a public health crisis. Childhood Obesity Awareness Month supports the goals of families, schools and communities who are working to ensure we raise a healthier generation. For more information about Childhood Obesity, please contact Kim Miles at 325-646-0386.
