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Wednesday, September 10, 2008
We as Americans have seen an alarming rise in childhood obesity levels. As our nation grows into a more sedentary lifestyle and our diets are packed with high calorie, high fat foods it should be no surprise.
We should however take this as a serious matter as obesity in a youth can cause severe health concerns for not only the present time but into the future of adulthood. High blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, joint pain and arthritis are only a few concerns. Children grow at such a rapid rate and the body requires balanced nutrition for proper growth that when given an unhealthy diet, growth can be altered negatively.
There are cases of children where the child has been forced to use walkers to help support the body as the muscles and bones are too weak for proper support. These children are not only tortured physically but their peers can be quite unforgiving with teasing and hurtful remarks.
There is a 75 percent chance that a child who is obese will grow into obesity as an adult. As we age it becomes harder to lose excess body fat as our metabolism slows. The health concerns become more serious and the risk of a fatal disease or occurrence is elevated.
As parents it is our duty to our children to teach them about fitness and nutrition not for purposes of vanity and style but for health and longevity. There are sites online that can aid you in helping your children to enjoy fitness activities as well as nutritious meals that are kid friendly. Taking steps to help are children live healthy today will help them to live healthier, happier lives tomorrow.Labels: activities, childhood, childrens, fitness, gym, obesity
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Getting your kids to eat healthy may be one of the hardest jobs that you have as a parent. Eating healthy especially when you are constantly on the go, to ball games, ballet or school functions can be difficult. You will be surrounded by fast food options that are high in fat and sugar content.
Some quick healthy ideas for food are sandwiches such as turkey or ham and have a side of celery or carrot sticks. You can always have a salad inside of a bell pepper, for easy carry and eat. Getting items like quesadillas that are stuffed with vegetables instead of fatty meats can make it a healthy option for a quick lunch.
There are several types of yogurt-to-go options, so that you can eat them on the run. Popping a bag of popcorn and eating it in the car can help curb your appetite until you are able to get home and fix a healthy meal. Muffins or slices of fruit can be a great option for on the go eating.
Some soups are now available in cans that you can drink from in the car or even at your desk at work. Granola bars are a great snack food to keep in your purse or car for those sudden hungry pains. Crackers and low-fat cheeses are also a healthy snack to munch on until you can have a full meal. While it may seem difficult to eat healthy with an active lifestyle, knowing simple quick meals and snacks can allow you to be healthier while still being on the go.Labels: childhood, childrens, classes, fun, kids fitness nutrition health exercise
Monday, June 02, 2008
The mess and chaos of throwing a party indoors can make the choice for an outdoor party apparent. It can also be easy if you use four key areas in planning and carrying out your child's party bash. These areas include space, safety, activities and food. You have to ensure that the yard or other outdoor location has enough space for games, seating and other party activities.
Once you are certain you have the proper amount and area for your party you can review the areas safety. Are there any dangers such as broken tree limbs or other safety fears? If so remove the obstructions if not proceed to planning activities. Find a space for your pinata, pin the tail on the donkey or musical chairs. The final step is simple you choose the foods and drinks to serve.
Keep the food simple and kid friendly. Serve up pizza and punch. Cupcakes can be easier to do than cake and kids can even decorate their own with frosting and sprinkles for added fun. An outdoor party can be a great experience to keep the mess from being made in your home and allow the kids to run outside in the fresh air.
For more tips or ideas in choosing a location or other areas of an outdoor party you can search outdoor parties online for abundance in information. You can also find games and theme ideas to make your outdoor party everything you dreamed it would be. Your child will have a ball and so will all of his or her guests.Labels: childhood, childrens, classes, exercise, fitness, fun, games, gym, kids, parties, party
Monday, May 26, 2008
When it comes to serving food and beverages at a kids party you have to think simple and kid friendly. Finger foods and make your own items are always a big hit. You can set up a pizza bar where kids can put sauce, cheese and other toppings of their choice on a mini pizza. This keeps children from whining that they don't like this or that on their pizza.
You can use this same method with nachos, tacos and more. Kids love to create and what better way to make your party food fun by allowing them to create their own meal. You can also substitute cake for cupcakes and allow your party guests to decorate this sweet treat. It's also a good idea to serve punch or juice in place of soda as they contain less sugar.
The kids will already get rowdy and jazzed up over the party games and activities, sugar is a needless party favor. Remember to prepare items in advance, keep the items simple and choose kid favorites. This will keep the kids and the parent host happy for the big event.
Don't fear to ask your child and their guests pre party what they would like to nosh on. This is a sure fire way to pick the foods that all of your little guests will enjoy. Keeping your guests happy can be the icing on the cake in party success. You will feel satisfied with your choices and be ready for your next party planning adventure.Labels: activities, childhood, fun, games
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Childhood obesity is on the rise in the United States and there is frighteningly no sign of slowing. Children in today's day and age are surrounded with animated toys, video games and computer activities that keep them sedentary for most of their day.
Schools across the nation are creating budget cuts that threaten to remove recess and possibly gym classes. The American diet is packed full of processed foods that offer high calories and high fat with little nutritional value.
These factors combined create or cause our children to enter the category of obesity. The effects of obesity are even more alarming. Diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and cholesterol are all effects of obesity that our children are suffering with.
As with adults when the body carries an excess of additional body fat the heart is forced to pump harder than normal causing stress on the heart. The faint thought of a child suffering a heart attack is nearly unfathomable. These health concerns can create a problem in their youth as well as continue into adulthood.
As children grow at a rapid pace a poor diet and excess weight can cause abnormalities in bone structure along with premature joint pain and wear. This is why we must take a stand against childhood obesity and focus on prevention as well as treatment.
Teach our youth to eat a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Teach them that fitness in enjoyable as well as important. Childhood obesity is dangerous and we have to put a stop to this epidemic now.Labels: activities, childhood, childrens, classes, exercise, fitness, obesity
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