New research shows black American children at HIGHEST risk of being overweight
In particular, children and teens who currently have higher obesity rates would require larger energy gap reductions [more dietary restriction and more exercise] to reach the obesity rate goal. For instance, based on their current obesity rates, white youths would need a 46-calorie reduction, on average, in their energy gap to reach the goals. But given their higher obesity rates in 2008-2010, the average reduction needed to close the energy gap for Mexican-American youths is 91 calories and, for black youths, it is 138 calories. Youths in lower-income communities also need greater reductions than their peers in higher-income areas, again due to higher rates of obesity. Additionally, an earlier study by several of the same researchers found that the problem is especially acute for teens who are already overweight.
The solutions are the same: it take time more than money, to make lifestyle changes.
Learn MoreThe authors outline several policy strategies that could help to close the daily energy gap for American youths. For instance, they point to research showing that:
- replacing all sugar-sweetened beverages in school with water and not consuming any additional sugary beverages outside of school could reduce the energy gap by 12 calories per day;
- participating in a comprehensive physical education program could eliminate 19 calories per day among children ages 9-11; and
- engaging in an after-school activity program for children in grades K-5 results in an additional 25 calories expended per day.
Policy Statement—Media Education ~American Academy of Pediatrics Sept 2010
There are numerous studies that demonstrate the dangers of over exposure to media for children. In this revised document from the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) new research is brought o bear on the rapidly expanding problem of electronic media and child development.
Language delay, Obesity and Aggression are only a few of the developmental problems directly related to excessive exposure to media in childhood and adolescence.
Policy Statement—Media Education.
IMPORTANT TAKE HOME TIPS for parents include
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Toddlers under age 2 years SHOULD NOT Be using electronic media AT ALL. (special report)
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NO television, video games or electronic play (ePlay) devices should be in the child’s bedroom.
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Limit and focus time spent with electronic media: No more than 2 hours a day should be spent in ePlay; electronic entertainment for any child between 2 years and 16 years old. The TV should never be a babysitter.
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Be a good example to your children: let them see you engaging in other forms of entertainment. Make it a point for family discussion adventure.
Change involves the whole family and creative, consistent thought, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. Healthy Lifestyle choices today build a Healthy Future for tomorrow.
Learn MoreParents influence whether children eat fruits, vegetables
Most children learn to like and eat vegetables before age 5 years.
Most children learn their eating habits directly from their parents plate.
NOW is the time.
A few important tips:
1) Children who SEE their parents eating fruits and vegetables are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables.
2) If you dont buy sodas and sugar drinks, there will be none available!
This sounds simple, but it is is a common area of weakness.
3) Make each fruit and vegetable FUN: What’s the colour? Is it cooked or raw.
See which style of preparation your child prefers and encourage them to experiment.
4) Make each plate colourful.
Learn MoreSports Drinks and Healthy Hydration
Sports drinks, fruit drinks, soda and any other sugar-laced drink will never be good for children. Its just not nutrition.
Kids and Sports Drinks: Healthy Hydration or Soda Incognito?
Sports drinks may seem like a healthier kid’s beverage than soda and other sugary beverages, but that’s not necessarily the case. In fact, last week a bill sponsored by the California Medical Association was proposed that would ban the sale of all sports drinks, including Gatorade and Powerade, in middle school and high school cafeterias. Sports drinks are already banned in California elementary schools. The bill would act as an amendment to the existing code that bans the sale of soda in schools.
http://breakingmuscle.com/nutrition/kids-and-sports-drinks-healthy-hydration-or-soda-incognito
Time to Unplug the TV!
One study found that children who spent more than eight hours watching TV each week at age 3 were more likely to be obese at age 7. Having a TV in their bedroom ups their chances of being overweight even more, says Amy Jamieson-Petonic, RD, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
These guidelines will help your family maintain just the right amount of screen time.
- Limit TV and other media to less than two hours per day for kids age 2 and older. Do not allow television viewing for children less than 2 years of age, according to recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- Keep TV out of the bedrooms.
- With the exception of an occasional family movie and pizza night, keep television sets off while eating.
- Sit down with your kids to help them select the specific TV shows they’ll watch, giving them some control and helping them make decisions. Watch with them when you can.
You can’t hurry love: Handling your child’s Valentine’s Day blues
Heart Hands
by Alexis Goffe
The unfortunate truth is: Valentine’s Day is not a special day of love, flowers or chocolates for everyone. What is even more unfortunate is that the negative feelings of being unloved, not special, rejected, lonely or even unattractive on Valentine’s Day can be experienced by our children. This truth can be extremely hard for children as early as prep/primary school. A guidance counsellor once told me that his granddaughter who is in Grade 2 was heard asking a male classmate, “Do you love me? It’s ok, I can handle the truth!” Being hurt knows no age; or gender for that matter. We tend to think that Valentine’s Day is a potentially challenging time for girls. However, boys are just as susceptible to these feelings as girls.
Here are four suggestions for handling your child’s experiences around Valentine’s Day:-
Listen
Find out if your child is experiencing any feelings surrounding Valentine’s Day. Do they have plans? Are they planning to ask someone to be their valentine? How are they feeling about having a valentine or not having a valentine? During this conversation, listen to your child and listen well. Give them your undivided attention and create a space for your child to be open and honest.
Offer support
Once you know the child’s thoughts and feelings surrounding Valentine’s Day, thank them for allowing you into their world. Let them know how important it is to be able to tell safe people about their feelings in good and bad times. You can do two things at this point: i) Ask them how best you can support them or ii) Ask for their permission to give them some advice.
Validate feelings
This is one of my favourites. Let your child know it is ok to feel down if they do not have a valentine. One of the best ways to normalize their feelings is to tell them a story of a time you experienced similar feelings and how you handled them. It is important not to trivialize your child’s feelings or categorize it as “being young.” Legitimize their feelings as much as possible.
Encourage family time
Times of loneliness for our children are prime opportunities to reinforce the love you have for your child. Planning family activities on Valentine’s Day can be a great way to lessen negative feelings and strengthen the family bond. Possible activities include watching a movie, having a special family dinner, playing a game, creating an arts and craft project or seeing a play.
Parents must provide an environment of love, acceptance and warmth for their children. Show them the type of love and respect you want them to expect, demand and experience in their future relationships.
We know children may want to find love and find it quick. So parents, take this opportunity to remind your child that – while they can’t hurry love, they will just have to wait and it doesn’t come easy – the love you have for them is already present and everlasting.
Alexis Goffe is a counselling psychologist at Caribbean Tots to Teens. He can be reached at alexis@caribbeantotstoteens.com
Learn MoreUse the Crosswalk! with Grover from Sesame Street
Use the Crosswalk! on Vimeo on Vimeo
via Use the Crosswalk! on Vimeo.
[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/23271896 w=400&h=225] Learn MoreUse Your Helmet! with Grover from Sesame Street
Use Your Helmet! on Vimeo on Vimeo
via Use Your Helmet! on Vimeo.
[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/23271812 w=400&h=225] Learn MoreBuckle Up! with Grover from Sesame Street
via Buckle Up! on Vimeo.
[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/23272278 w=400&h=225] Learn More“Sweets” Ban at School Parties
“Sweets” Ban at School Parties
When FRUIT is served with cake and other sugary sweets, the amount of calories children consume actually falls by 100-200 calories per child!
Could this type of restrictive guideline work in Caribbean schools?
Learn MoreThe study shows that kids can eat as many as one-third of all the calories they need in a day at a typical half-hour birthday party.
And those calories are coming from foods high in fat and sugar and low in nutrients — such as cake, fruit punch, ice cream, and chips.