The Epidemic of Childhood Obesity

This is my next topic of discussion because I am very concerned about this growing problem. I would love to start a discussion on this and get some good advice as well as feedback about this issue. Childhood obesity is no laughing matter. I have been busy shoveling out of a big winter snow storm but hope to get some research facts up about this issue here in the next couple of days. Anyone with comments, questions or concerns about this topic... Please feel free to add it on to this post. Thanks!

I have done some research and I am starting another blog here shortly that will focus exclusively on childhood obesity and facts plus resources that parents can use to help fight this epidemic. I will post the link as soon as I have the blog up and running. For now let me just say it is scary that so many of our young children today are concidered overweight. Back in 2000 it was estimated that almost 10% of children of preschool age and over 15% of children school age were considered overweight and another 15% were considered at risk. This is very scary because these numbers have doubled or more in the last 30 years. I have 3 small children and concerns of my own about my children having to deal with this issue. Todays society encourages children to play video games, watch endless hours of television with shows on many channels 24/7 directed at the young viewing audience. Also there is so much temptation with quick meals that are not very healthy for our children and with a large majority of todays society being 2 parent working familys the time to make healthy meals is minimal. I think as a society we need to get back to the basics with our children and encourage getting out and playing weather permitting and staying active while indoors also when you can't be outside. Playing games, dancing, ect. we need to help our children help themselves so that they don't have to struggle with health issues throughout their lives. I think as parents it is our responsibility to keep our children healthy and teach them how to make smart and healthy choices in their day to day lives.