The “Big O”

Got your attention. Sorry to disappoint but the ‘Big O’ here is obesity. This past week the Whitehouse and Mrs. Michelle Obama formally announced the ‘War On Childhood Obesity’ when they announced the “Let’s Move” program. According to Mrs. Obama, “These words – ‘overweight’ and ‘obese’ – they don’t tell the full story. This isn’t just about inches and pounds or how our kids look. It’s about how our kids feel, and how they feel about themselves. It’s about the impact we’re seeing on every aspect of their lives.”

One of the impacts of this problem is that for the first time in many generations, children born today may have a shorter life expectancy than their parents and a main reason for this is childhood obesity. Like any other overweight person, an obese child is subject to the same risks for hypertension, diabetes, stroke and heart disease. If you are concerned about your child- don’t know if their weight is appropriate or if your child is at risk- a great place to start is with your pediatrician.

There are many things that may be done to help. Two important ones are knowing what your child eats and movement or exercise. Fast food, processed food and school cafeteria food are known problem areas. So is the X-Box, WII generation who sits in front of a TV or computer or gaming system rather that getting up and moving around. Help your child eat healthy and encourage them to get outside and move, play and enjoy life.

Thank you Mrs. O for your dedication and leadership to our children and our future.

For more information go to www.Whitehouse.gov  or  www.LetsMove.gov