The title may sound extreme, but looking at statistics alone, it should do a little more than raise the brow. Caretakers of children whether it be parents, grandparents, guardians and so on, must be educated on the biggest killers in the world, start with obesity. Let me must preface this at the beginning, I am not a parent; however, I am a provider for myself. In my pursuits of a healthy lifestyle, I cannot imagine how much more in tune/OCD I would be if I had a mini me running around. It is too early for me to be thinking like that for myself, but I think it is necessary for us to realize the severity of this obesity epidemic.
The thought of a starving child really saddens us. Its devastating. The thought of a obese kid is... fill in the blank. What do you think of when you see an obese child? Do you laugh? Do you shake your head at the parents or caretakers? It should devastate us at the thought of an obese child, too.
FACT:
• 200 people die a year to anorexia.
• 800 people die everyday due to obesity related illnesses.
There is no doubt there is a need for girls struggling with an eating disorder. A strong passion of mine is being an encouragement to those girls! I've been there; it was a life struggle for me as well. I gave the anorexia statistic to prove a point. We frown on the supermodels, we feel sad when we see children starving in third world countries, but we have neighbors, friends, and family members dying daily from over-feeding.
MeMe Roth, co-founder of N.A.A.O. (National Action Against Obesity) is a passionate activist geared towards saving America by making us thinner. She is all about making lifestyle changes, exercising, and eating the right amount of portions and types of foods. She is firm and
goes with the tough-love method thus the uproar with her in the media as "allergic to fat people".
Check out this Youtube video! MeMe Roth speaking on a specific case of an obese child whose life is now staged for hardship and pre-mature death. Child Obesity Child Abuse
FACTS: Government Study based on Children Ages 6-11
• 1971-1974: 4% overweight
• 1988-1994: 11% overweight
• 2003-2004: 19% overweight
Children who begin their life looking like the picture above deal with much more than losing weight. There is a lot of overcoming that has to take place for them to try to live a normal life. They are dependent on their caretakers just as they were when they were an infant. Obesity causes anyone to go back to the state they come into this world, fully dependent. If the beginning of their life was different, they wouldn't have to retract to full dependency.
Caretakers are the parental guidance and ultimately get the last say in what children do and what is available to a child. Just like you would do everything in your power to prevent starvation, you should prevent children from over-eating. You wouldn't think a guardian was fit if they starved a child? Do you think they're fit guardians if they over-feed their child? I say no.
It is only going to get fixed if each guardian takes responsibility for those they are in charge of and make health-conscience decisions. It begins at home! We are in a society where everyday is seen as a treat! We reward with food, plan events around feeding times, and eat emotionally. Treats are for holidays! Just like Madonna clearly points out, it's one day out of life! It would be, it would be so nice! So, let's find healthy recipes kids can try!
Healthy Kid-Friendly Recipes
These are only a few of ideas. Getting children involved at the grocery store can be a creative way to get them trying new things. Let them pick one fruit or vegetable, they will try (don't have to like) and you will help them with an appropriate recipe. They are venturing out slowly! They are responsible for finding a unique food. It's an experiment. It's an adventure. It's a positive way to try new things! Getting children comfortable with food is a positive way to get them involved. You are less likely to be filling their plate with chicken and fries and justifying it by saying, it's all they will eat. I kindly disagree. I think it is all they will eat because it is all they are exposed to. Ultimately, kids are copycats. They will mimic your every move. Ending this child obesity starts with us. We are the example. We are the leaders. Where will you lead?
No comments:
Post a Comment