Experts
are predicting for the first time in American history that this generation of young people
will have a shorter lifespan than their parents, all because of expected health problems
later in life related to weight.
“Childhood
obesity has become an epidemic in America,” said Dr. Anatole Karpovs, pediatrician at
the Children's Clinic of SWLA. “The problem is twofold---poor eating habits and lack
of exercise.”
Over the past 20 years, the
number of extremely overweight children has doubled. About 15 percent of children in the United
States today are overweight, which puts them at risk for heart disease, diabetes, high
cholesterol, sleep apnea, asthma, orthopedic problems, hypertension, depression and other
health problems, according to the
American
Academy of Pediatrics.
“The cause of this
rise in childhood obesity is simple,” said Karpovs.
“Children today are eating too many high-calorie, low-nutrition
‘fast foods’ like potato chips and French fries and drinking too many sugar
drinks like regular soda, Kool-aid, and even
Gatorade.
Even more to blame is the lack of kids’
physical activity.
The high-tech entertainment
of TV, computers, and video games has replaced kids’ desire for physical outdoor
activities.”
Karpovs said parents and
communities can start making changes now to fight the epidemic of childhood obesity.
“Teaching the importance of nutrition and
daily physical education should be part of every school day grades K-12.
Soda and candy machines in the schools should be
replaced with healthy snack alternatives.” he said. “Communities can enable more
active lifestyles for children and families by creating more safe recreational facilities,
bike paths, and sidewalks.”
“Parents need to get active with their kids and support outdoor
activities,” recommends Karpovs.
He
suggests these ways parents can take an active role in creating a healthy lifestyle for
their children to avoid the risks of obesity:
- Limit
the time your child watches TV and video games to less than 2 hours per day.
- Sit
down together as a family for dinner and no eating while watching TV.
- Do not eat at
fast food restaurants more than once per week
-
Buy
more fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned).
Let your child choose them at the store.
- Buy
fewer soft drinks and high calorie snacks like chips and cookies and keep healthy snack
foods on hand.
- Encourage involvement in activities that can be enjoyed into adulthood (walking,
running, swimming, basketball, tennis, golf, dancing, and bicycle riding)
- Be active
together as a family. Assign active chores like washing the car or vacuuming. Plan active
outings or take a brisk walk together in the evenings.
“A few simple,
positive dietary changes and the initiation of any regular physical activity can establish
healthy habits in children that will last a lifetime,” said Karpovs.
For more information see the American Academy of Pediatrics. |
