"It is plausible that we're going to see for the first time in 100 years that the generation coming behind us will have a shorter life expectancy than the current one." This quote comes from Linda Rosenstock, M.D., M.P.H., Dean of UCLA School of Public Health. It was used at the beginning of a lecture on childhood obesity given by Shawnda Johnson, Assistant Chief of Outpatient Pediatrics at Kaiser Oakland. Dr. Johnson kindly agreed to let me use her talk as the basis of this month's column.
Current obesity statistics support Dr. Rosenstock's prediction. Obesity has become the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. More than 17 percent of children between the ages of two and 19 years old are currently overweight or obese. That translates to over 12.5 million children.'
Dr. Johnson identified two main factors contributing to the problem: poor nutrition and inactivity. The average child today consumes foods and drinks high in sugar and eats more fast foods in super-size portions, adding up to a diet high in calories and fat. Additional dietary factors include diets high in processed foods containing more salt and fat and less fiber and vitamins, and the tendency to eat irregular meals.
Many children today also spend more time sitting in front of a television or playing a video game rather than participating in sports or playing outside with their friends. Fewer children walk to school, and many schools have cut physical education programs. It all adds up to a big problem. Overweight children are at great risk for developing diabetes, heart disease, joint and breathing disorders, problems with the gastrointestinal system, menstrual irregularities, and psychosocial issues.
What can you do? Ask your pediatrician for advice. Provide healthy food choices for your family. Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables along with low-fat protein sources such as lean meats and low-fat dairy products. Next, be sure to read food labels. Look for choices that are low in fat, sugar, and calories. For help with reading food labels, check the FDA Web site at www.fda.gov. The site has a new cartoon-based educational tool to teach "tweens" how to read a food label and make healthful food choices.
'If you have difficulty getting your kids to eat healthful foods, check out the new cookbook Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld, wife of comedian Jerry Seinfeld. She created recipes that incorporate pureed vegetables into everything from pizza to macaroni and cheese and even cake in order to get her kids (and maybe yours) to stop whining and eat their vegetables. But she says she also includes a small serving of vegetables in their usual form on their plates so that her children will learn to eat them as part of a healthful diet.'
In addition to providing nutritious foods, do whatever you can to get your child active. Encourage outdoor play with friends or participation in team sports. You can also plan family activities such as neighborhood walks, a hike in one of our regional parks, or a game of softball.
Be sure to follow up regulary with your child's doctor, both to monitor your child's health and to get help and support for yourself. Ask what other resources may be available to your family through your health plan, such as consultation with a nutritionist and classes or support groups specific to dealing with childhood obesity.
Paulette Avery is a registered nurse and freelance writer who specializes in health issues. You may contact her at averyfam\@comcast.net.
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