While thinking about that Big Mac I had last night and the two pop tarts I just engulfed one of Fox News morning show’s topic was fitness programs for children.
Let me first bring you up to speed on the statistics of Childhood Obesity:
Data from NHANES surveys (1976–1980 and 2003–2006) show that the prevalence of obesity has increased: for children aged 2–5 years, prevalence increased from 5.0% to 12.4%; for those aged 6–11 years, prevalence increased from 6.5% to 17.0%; and for those aged 12–19 years, prevalence increased from 5.0% to 17.6%.
(O)ne study found that approximately 80% of children who were overweight at aged 10–15 years were obese adults at age 25 years…..
(I)f overweight begins before 8 years of age, obesity in adulthood is likely to be more severe…….
The answer most people seem to be thinking is the right answer is to send their kids away for their work outs. It seems throwing a ball back and forth with your kids at the Parks or backyard just isn’t the “in” thing to do anymore.
One of the Fox and Friends host questioned the fitness trainers about this and the answer was that many parents work so much that they don’t have time to work out with their kids. Translation: They can’t be bothered to play with their kids so they will hire strangers to do that for them.
This weekend we had to get Danny a belt so his size 8 slim jeans would fit him. Now I know many of you will be saying that a child with hyperactivity being obese is impossible. But it could happen if I allow that hyperactivity to be in his mind and not his body. You should see what happens to him when he is watching a new movie or playing video games – sloth brings on a new meaning! People with ADHD can hyperfocus on something which means they will not move for hours.
This weekend I also watched Stu and Danny passing the football back and forth to each other. Stu had homework to do and a lot of work to do around the house. However, playing with Danny took priority. Stu’s homework and chores could wait – this did mean that he was forced to work after the kids went to bed instead of resting, but I think he will tell you it was worth it.
Both of my parents worked full time and for awhile my Dad worked and went to school getting his MBA. They still took time for us. None of the kids in my family were obese. So, it is possible. My parents did something called “sacrifice” their personal ambitions and pleasures so they could be good parents. Imagine that?
In this 2SecondsFaster world we have forgotten what is important to life. This is proof that materialism isn’t what we need in life and probably why 1/2 of Americans are on Anti-depressants.
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