Have you ever been caught in traffic in front of a school as the kids leave for the day? The next time this happens, do your own survey and look at the number of overweight children that are heading home. Although the percentages vary with the source, the incidence of childhood obesity is climbing at a record rate.
Overweight children face the same health problems as adults. Hypertension, type 2 diabetes and elevated cholesterol have increased in overweight children and teens at an alarming rate. Emily Cox, the senior director of research at Express Scripts, a health care benefits management company, has found that between 2002 and 2005, the number of children and teens receiving medications for type 2 diabetes has doubled. Diabetes increases the risk for cardiovascular and kidney diseases. These conditions used to be found mostly in late middle age adults, not individuals in their teens and early twenties.
“Food is Love” is only true in moderation. We are rapidly finding out that inappropriate food intake is the underlying cause of many diseases. The general public’s nutrition education comes from the media. The media bombards us almost daily with stories about what we should and shouldn’t eat. Many times the most recent story is in direct conflict with last week’s story. Although good nutrition principles affect each person’s health, the principles are rarely taught in our schools. Physicians are expected to learn so much in medical school that nutrition receives little emphasis. Most medical schools are now telling medical students to find a good dietitian and rely upon that healthcare professional for help with patient nutrition education. What is a parent to do?
Rely on the nutrition care professionals - registered dietitians. In this area, the dietitians at Hill Nutrition Associates, Inc. are ready to help with getting your child started on a lifetime of healthy eating habits. Our twelve week individualized program for adolescents and children is a great way to spend the summer vacation. How could your time be better spent than getting your child started on a lifetime of health eating habits? Call 772-220-8058 for an appointment for a complimentary initial consultation. Your whole family’s long term health will benefit.
