Our Children's Nutrition and Health

By Michelle Krutan Berman, RD, MS

Nutritional Healing for Health & Well-Being

. https://www.mkbnutrition.com/

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Our Children's Nutrition and Health

Obesity rates in the U.S. are significantly on the rise. Based on the 2000 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 15 percent of children age six to nineteen are overweight and this number has tripled since the 1970's. Health problems such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes which used to be only associated with adults who were obese are now being seen in children.

There are certainly a number of factors that have contributed. As parents, health care providers, educators, and food manufacturers, it is our responsibility to begin to take action in order to reverse the staggering rise of overweight children and teens in this country.

Inactivity has played a major role in these disheartening statistics for our kids. According to the National Transportation Board, children walk and bike to school less than they did in the 1970's. Inside the home, there are more sedentary activities such as computer games and television than ever before. Physical education time at schools has shortened as demands for academics have become more stringent.

Another contributor to our overweight kids is high fat and refined sugars. The busy lifestyles of many families prevent home-cooked meals and therefore, fast foods and processed “quick fix” dinner items have become staples at the dinner table that's if the family is not eating in the car on the way to a sporting event or a meeting. Even when families do cook at home, many of the foods used are highly processed and contain sugar, fat and minimal nutrients.

Our schools are now oftentimes filled with vending machines loaded with soda, candy, and cakes laced with trans fats. Advertising campaigns associate fast foods with toys so young children desire them.

The challenge is to step up to the plate and take responsibility. Parents need to be educated to improve the nutrition and lifestyles of their children. Rewards such as ice cream and pizza can be switched up for miniature golf and bowling. Instead of the family sitting around making cookies, why not go on a hike and have fruit salad after? School vending machines can stock fresh fruit and yogurt as quickly as they can cupcakes and hot dogs. There needs to be more interactive computer play such as the Wii, and there needs to be more affordable ways for all children to have access to such games.

If we are to make a difference in our children's health, there needs to be a collaborative effort on many levels. All children deserve the right to grow up to be healthy and thriving adults.

Cooking quick healthy and light is easy once parents realize how to do it! Find a dietician who involves families together to have fun by going to farmers markets, trying new foods, or creating new ideas for quick dinners and school lunches.