What's the Issue
Childhood obesity is already an epidemic in some areas and on the rise in others. An estimated 22 million children under five are estimated to be overweight worldwide. According to the US Surgeon General, in the USA the number of overweight children has doubled and the number of overweight adolescents has trebled since 1980. The prevalence of obese children aged 6-to-11 years has more than doubled since the 1960s. Obesity prevalence in youths aged 12-17 has increased dramatically from 5% to 13% in boys and from 5% to 9% in girls between 1966-70 and 1988-91 in the USA. The problem is global and increasingly extends into the developing world; for example, in Thailand the prevalence of obesity in 5-to-12 year olds children rose from 12.2% to 15-6% in just two years.
Obesity accounts for 2-6% of total health care costs in several developed countries; some estimates put the figure as high as 7%. The true costs are undoubtedly much greater as not all obesity-related conditions are included in the calculations...
http://www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/publications/facts/obesity/en/
Parenting to Prevent Obesity
Helping your kids get and stay healthy isn’t always easy. It’s hard for them to resist the unhealthy snacks, sodas and fast food that seem to be all around them. It’s also tough to get them away from the television and computer screens and find places for them to play and exercise. Here are some helpful tips and information to help you take positive steps!
http://www.healthiergeneration.org/parents.aspx?id=3085
Stay Healthy, Prevent Disease
Over half of all serious disease in the US could be prevented with healthier lifestyles. By following these 5 lifestyle recommendations, you can lower your risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, and diabetes. Before you know it, you'll also have more energy and get a boost to your mood.
So take control of your health, and encourage your family to do the same. Choose one or two behaviors to start with. Once you've got those down, move on to the others.
Foods to be Avoided: Sausages, Pickles, Junk Food, Smoked Foods, all Fried
Combinations to be Avoided: Milk Chocolate
Combinations to Facilitate: Tea and Turmeric, Turmeric and Black Pepper