Although many want to be responsible for the cure (or at least help), it still seems the root cause is a mystery to some. There is no doubt that an unfortunate condition, such as disease or physical limitations may contribute to a child being overweight. Arguments can also be made that easy access to cheap, unhealthy, fast food is to blame. Others may say it is because kids spend too much time in front of a computer or television.

As common sense would dictate, if a child’s parents are responsible for providing the basics of life – food, clothing and shelter, and a child is reliant on their parents during their childhood for those needs, it would seem reasonable that the parents are responsible for that child’s food choices and caloric intake.

If a child shows up at school with no shoes, It would be easy to say that child’s parents have got to provide shoes, it’s a basic need.  If they can’t afford them, they can get help from many resources in the community. The school may even see if they can find a pair of shoes for the child to wear. Surely, someone would do something and do it right away.

If a child shows up at school 30 pounds overweight, what then? Does anyone contact the school nurse? Does the school try to provide information for the student and parents on how to eat right and exercise? Does anyone call the parents in for a conference?

It is time we take the battle to the source.  Parents must be held accountable for overweight and obese children.  Schools should be able to treat an overweight child, at the very least, like one with no shoes.  Doctors have to speak up when parents need to hear their child is overweight.  Parents must educate themselves and take an active role in the child’s life.

With the first generation of young people predicted to not outlive their parents among us, we have to change tactics.  Political correctness need not interfere. If there is even a slim chance it may make a positive impact, I would rather risk hurting a parent’s feelings than a child’s future.

The Facts:

Data from NHANES I (1971–1974) to NHANES 2003–2006 show increases in overweight among all age groups:
- Among preschool-aged children, aged 2–5 years, the prevalence of obesity increased from 5.0% to 12.4%.8
- Among school-aged children, aged 6–11 years, the prevalence of obesity increased from 4.0% to 17.0%.8
- Among school-aged adolescents, aged 12–19 years, the prevalence of obesity increased from 6.1% to 17.6%.8

The 2007 Tennessee Youth Risk Behavior Survey indicates that among high school students:
- 17% were obese.
- 82% ate fruits and vegetables less than five times per day during the 7 days before the survey.
- 46% drank a can, bottle, or glass of soda or pop (not including diet soda or diet pop) at least one time per day during the 7 days before the survey.
- 58% did not meet recommended levels of physical activity.
- 61% did not attend physical education classes.
- 70% did not attend physical education classes daily.
- 38% watched television 3 or more hours per day on an average school day.
- 23% played video or computer games or used a computer for something that was not school work for 3 or more hours per day on an average school day.

President Obama signed a memorandum earlier Tuesday morning establishing a federal task force to tackle childhood obesity, calling it “one of the most urgent health issues that we face in this country.” “We think that this has enormous promise in improving the health of our children, in giving support to parents to make the kinds of healthy choices that oftentimes are very difficult.”

The first Lady’s effort is largely focused on making changes to diet and policy.  There is a lack of emphasis on real changes to physical education in schools or any real encouragement to get kids active.  She mentions cutting back on television time but no real focus on specific activites or programs, like GoTrybe, to divert some of that sedentary screen time (watching television) into Active Screen Time.

Things happen for a reason, just believe! – Cheryl, RD

Things happen for a reason, just believe! – Cheryl, RD

Dairy Quiz

1. Which of the following nutrients are found in one serving of milk?

        a. calcium and vitamin D

        b. protein, phosphorus, potassium

        c. riboflavin, vitamin B12, vitamin A

        d. all of the above

2. How many stomachs does a dairy cow have?

3. How many gallons of water do dairy cows drink each day?

4. Can you name 3 foods made with milk?

5. Why should you eat foods rich in calcium like milk, yogurt and cheese?

6. How many cups of milk should you have each day?

7. True or False: Flavored milk contains the same nutrients found in unflavored white milk.

8. What do you call a cow eating grass?

Answers: 1. d 2. one stomach with four compartments 3. 25-50 gallons each – almost an entire bathtub full of water! 4. cheese, yogurt, cream, sour cream, cottage cheese, ice cream, butter, and cream cheese 5. to build strong bones and teeth 6. Ages 2-8: 2 cups   Age 9+: 3 cups 7. True  8. A Lawn “MOO”er

Things happen for a reason, just believe! – Cheryl, RD

Things happen for a reason, just believe! – Cheryl, RD

Things happen for a reason, just believe! – Cheryl, RD

Things happen for a reason, just believe! – Cheryl, RD

Things happen for a reason, just believe! – Cheryl, RD