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DEL.ICIO.USA weighty issue — obesity in children
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I might be stepping on some toes here, but I want to talk about overweight kids.
The CDC says that nationally, among all races, 19 percent of kids 6 to 11 years old are overweight, according to an AJC story from last summer about the “obesity epidemic.” The same story quoted Dr. Flavia Mercado of Grady Health System saying that about 33 percent of Georgia elementary school children are too heavy. That’s too many.
I know plenty of these obese kids. I see them at malls, restaurants and on vacation, giving little regard to the crap they’re eating. It bothers me so much that sometimes I want to walk over and tear the french fries right out of their mouths.
I don’t remember having many overweight friends when I was a teenager. Yes, I know times have changed and kids spend countless hours on the computer, but that’s no excuse for obesity.
I’ll be the first to admit that our house isn’t health food central, but my husband and I try to encourage good eating habits. Of course, we have the usual chips, crackers and ice cream. But I’ve also told my kids to eat an apple or some yogurt when their hungry. So far, it seems to be working, but I know adulthood and all its weighty trappings isn’t that far off.
What’s a parent to do when it comes to helping kids make healthy food choices? How do you encourage your kids to eat healthy stuff? Do any of you parents have a secret you’re willing to share?
Permalink | Comments (3) | Categories: Abby Brunks
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By English major
February 12, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this
Kids are fat — they spend too much time in front of the computer or playing video games. Parents need to put their foot down and make their children go play outside, or take exercise classes together. Parents need to be a positive role model and get involved.
And Abby, perhaps you need to be re-educated with their / there / they’re. Twice you used the ‘their’ form when you meant ‘they’re’.
By rvance
February 13, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this
When my kids wouldn’t eat their vegetables, I threatened to make them listen to The Grateful Dead. When that didn’t work, I threatened to make them watch the dullest movie in history, “Remains of the Day.” Finally, when all else failed, I would say, “Get in the car, we’re going to the Fayette County school board meeting.” Goodbye, vegetables.
By magenta
February 13, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this
There are so many factors! America’s carb-laden unhealthy diet sneaked up on us, due to a lot of special-interest lobbying. The tide may be turning as we become educated about food. But that’s the nation as a whole. It’s different to find “teachable moments” for parents who just assume that eating junk food is a normal thing for kids. Perhaps their parents restricted snacks, so now they’re rebounding with the next generation.
As for my household, we simply DO NOT KEEP BULK QUANTITIES OF SNACKS IN THE HOUSE. No Little Debbie, no Breyers, etc. When we get snack cravings, we go to a convenience store and buy everybody ONE PORTION.
A semi-homeless workman came over from the house next door last week asking if I had anything to snack on. When I offered him fruit, he acted like I’d slapped him. I did find a bag of popcorn and microwaved it for him; he said “Now, that’s more like it.” Too many Americans have grown up with that attitude. Where do people think their health comes from? Even super-religious folks know that eating properly is their responsibility; Jesus can only take you so far in between Milky Way bars.