Day 2 Message For Parents
A State of Denial A recent study published by the University Of Michigan Department Of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases and the University of Michigan Child Health Evaluation and Research (CHEAR) Unit shows that a large number of parents may be in denial about their children's weight. The research was published in Vol. 2, Issue 3; December 10, 2007.
With each passing year, the risks to children who are overweight or obese are becoming clearer and better documented. With respect to asthma, obese children age 6-17 have a 200% higher risk of asthmathan children who are at a healthy weight.
Overweight youngsters are also at risk for diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressures as well as other chronic diseases that are usually seen only in adults. Allowing a child to remain overweight or obese is as dangerous to the child's health as smoking cigarettes.
According to the study, one-quarter of US children ages 6 to 17 are either obese or overweight. Surprisingly, less than 10% of parents of obese children ages 6 to 11 reported being "very concerned" about their children's weight.
More than 40% of parents of obese children age 6-11 perceive their children's weight status as "about the right weight". In reality, a 6-year-old boy of average height, (3 feet 9 inches) would be considered obese if he weighs 55 lbs. or more.
Are you wondering if your child is overweight? Use this special Body Mass Index calculator made especially for children and teens on the CDC web site.
If you find that your child or teen needs to lose weight, experts agree that small gradual changes offer the best chances for success. One small change that everyone can live with is having healthy, convenient snacks on hand at all times. From there, gradually phase out the junk food, fast food, sodas, energy drinks and candy as you discover healthier choices that your children enjoy.
Let the Wholefood Farmacy help you take that first step in the right direction.
Thank you,
The Wholefood Farmacy Team | 
