Childhood Obesity Creates Long-Term Health Issues

Childhood obesity has been a current topic on most news programs lately. They consistently state that the eating habits and sedentary lifestyle of our children today are going to have long-term effects on our society. Dr. McGill at Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research states that "the advertising of and offerings of high-density caloric food - opportunities to avoid physical activity, attractions to television viewing and net surfing" have compounded this health issue. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation reports that "one in three children and adolescents in the United States - some 25 million kids are overweight or obese. Dr. Marks from Princeton stated that "this could be the first generation that will live sicker and die younger that its parents."

Statements like that from our health community should be frightening to us. Obesity is known to contribute to heart disease, hypertension and diabetes. There are no positive effects that are known for for this self-destructive condition we create for ourselves. Start today by making healthy choices that effect your mind, body and spirit daily. Plan healthy meals and snacks. Make time to exercise and connect with your children. It will be a life long gift to them, to model a healthy lifestyle for a long and healthy life.

Best wishes,
Gina

Suicide Rate for Girls Increased

Federal health officials reported this week that the suicide rate among preteen and teenage girls rose to its highest level in a decade. This statistic effects our girls from ages 10-14 years of age. The preferred method of suicide was hanging or suffocation (71%) which surpassed guns.

This is a wake up call for parents to become more aware of their children's emotional needs and the pressures that they face daily. Dr. Keri Lubell who led the study states, "Parents and other caring adults should look for changes in youth such as talking about taking one's life, feeling sad or hopeless about the future. Also look for changes in eating or sleeping habits and even losing the desire to take part in favorite activities."

The National Center for Disease Control and Prevention is advising that health officials consider focusing on suicide prevention programs for girls 10-19 and boys between 15-19 to reverse these startling statistics. They also suggested that parents monitor or restrict children's access to pills, weapons or other lethal means of self harm.

Another important intervention would be to stay emotionally connected to your child by being involved in their school activities, friends and academics. You can also plan family time together or special outings together to keep your relationships strong. Families that center their life around their faith and church have a strong foundation of love that also helps them endure the trials of life. If you see that your child is struggling and drifting from your family system, you may want to seek professional help as an intervention. Your child could need help coping with the anxiety and depression that counseling can provide for your family.

Best wishes,
Gina

Learning How to Play in a Technological World

Our children are living in a technology world. Electronic media is everywhere, entertaining all ages as well as influencing our choices. How can parents keep YouTube and iPhones from taking over their children's lives?

"Unplug" your life to experience differental recreation activities with your children. Try having a backyard treasure hunt, play hot potato, or create an arts and crafts together. Unstructured play is very healthy for a child's brain as it builds creativity and imagination. It also helps develope problem solving skills through the trial and error of experience.

Here are some helpful ideas of items to have handy to encourage spontaneous play.

• Stock shelves with blocks, art supplies, and dress-up clothes.
• Recycle plastic containers that can be used to hold water, pour sand, or hide secret treasure.
• Keep cardboard boxes as they can be used for dollhouses, fire stations, or castles.
• Save old blankets and pillows for making cozy tents, caves and forts.
• Collect Halloween costumes and fabric remnants to create plays or act out book characters.

Guiding your child to use their imagination is rewarding and fun for the whole family. It will create memories that will be retold for a lifetime.

Have fun!

Gina