The Healthy Child

Obesity and Economics...

2006-05-25T08:29:00.000-04:00

Two concerning studies in this week's Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

The first study carried out by researchers at Johns Hopkins University older teenagers (over 14) who lived below the "poverty line" were 50% more likely to be overweight than their more economically well-off peers. The reasons? Skipping breakfast, consuming more sugared drinks, and less physical activity.

The second study also looked at older teenagers below the poverty line, and found that these kids were 50% more likely to be overweight today compared to 30 years ago.

These are disturbing trends that as of now show no signs of turning around. While it's true that healthy choices should not be limited to the privileged, and as a society we need to do a better job of making better alternatives available, we also need to have better education for poorer families, so they have the will to make better choices, not just the ability.

ABC News: Did Childhood-Obesity Worries Kill Disney-McDonald's Pact?

2006-05-17T18:11:00.000-04:00

ABC News: Did Childhood-Obesity Worries Kill Disney-McDonald's Pact?

Interesting news piece (published by Disney's own ABC News) about companies trying to get on the right side of this battle.

Just show, or do you really think that these huge conglomerates really care about helping overweight kids?

I'm skeptical. I can't help but just see this as a "flavor of the week" story/action, as opposed to real progress.

Obesity - we're not alone...

2006-05-15T15:31:00.000-04:00

Good to know that we're not the only ones...

In the May issue of the American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology (didn't you read it?!?), a study found that hamsters placed in a social setting were more likely to become overweight.

The explanation? Social stress, according to the researchers. Hamsters which normally like to hang out by themselves, got stressed when placed in a crowded living situation.

We know that stress contributes to overeating in people - it's interesting to see that translate into the animal world.

Teenage Obesity: A Warning...

2006-05-09T17:10:00.000-04:00

The British Medical Journal has published a study looking at weight patterns in emerging adolescents. What they found shatters the myth that "puppy fat" (or "baby fat" as we call it in the States) disappears with adolescence.

They looked at over 5800 children as they moved from childhood into adolescence.

Kids who had weight problems prior to the teenage years, continued to be overweight as adolescents.

This study is important because it reminds us that overweight is overweight, and parents should not just wait and hope they "grow into it" as kids get older.

As a side note, this study also observed that children of certain ethnicities and socioeconomic status were more likely to be overweight. Nothing new here, but just a reminder that obesity has both genetic and environmental origins.

Tackling Childhood Obesity in the Schools...

2006-05-07T19:54:00.000-04:00

I was cruising around the Internet and found this interesting story about how a county in England is looking to start screening kids for obesity in the public schools.

This mirrors other calls to action here in the states, where advocates are recommending that kids be weighed, measured, and assigned a body mass index value which would be reported back to the parents, along with guidance.

What do you think about this? Would this kind of measure be helpful for parents and kids, or offensive?

Give me your opinion, and I'll give you mine...

Bye-Bye Non-Diet Soda!!!

2006-05-03T08:34:00.000-04:00

I just read a report that said that the major beverage companies have agreed to pull all non-diet sodas out of public schools!

Wow!

This is HUGE!

Anyone who has read my book or heard me talk knows how much of a problem sugared drinks are. This is a big, big deal and I think it will make a difference for a lot of children.

Report: Non-diet sodas to be pulled from schools

Better Eating Habits Through Sports...

2006-05-03T07:25:00.000-04:00

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association shows that kids who play organized sports ate breakfast more regularly, and had higher mean protein, calcium, iron and zinc levels.

The study looked at middle- and high-school children and was performed at the University of Minnesota.

Yet another good reason to get your child involved in organized athletics!

Junk Food... Everywhere You Look...

2006-04-24T18:42:00.000-04:00

I was in a large chain pet store last week to load up on food for my dogs (Ripley and Gus in case you were wondering), and as I'm waiting to check out, I'm confronted by stacks of candy and chips.

WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?

This really bugs me.

Why is it that I need a candy bar as I'm waiting to check out?

Why can't I just get a break for 2 seconds while I'm shopping for my dogs?

It frustrates me to no end that whether you're out at the pet store or hardware store, or nowadays any kind of store, you will be faced with a decision. Do I buy the chocolate or chips?

I think we have developed a culture where companies have gotten us addicted to food, the same way tobacco companies got everyone in the mid-20th century addicted to cigarettes. They had them everywhere and glorified the experience. Now, manufacturers are putting junk food everywhere you look.

They create the customer, then sell to them over and over again.

Would it help alcoholics to have beer and wine at the pet store?

How about all of those folks who just quit smoking last week... what would happen if all of the sudden there were cigarette machines at every check-out line?

Food addiction is an incredibly serious problem, and repeated exposure is only going to make matters worse.

Talk to your children about the choices you make, and why you should pass up on these check-out landmines when you see them. Maybe we can avoid creating more food addicted kids...

Calcium Supplements: Not Good Enough

2006-04-20T16:36:00.000-04:00

You've walked past them in the grocery store. You've probably even bought them for your family, thinking you're doing a good thing.

Well, evidence published in The Cochrane Library shows that calcium supplements for kids, including calcium-fortified juices and crackers, don't provide any benefit for bone health.

Now, that's not to say that kids shouldn't get calcium.

Quite the opposite.

Kids need calcium, and their needs increase significantly as they reach the pre-teen and teenage years.

What this study means is that you should look to dairy, fruits and vegetables for natural sources of calcium.

Do you have a kitchen stocked with calcium-fortified products?

What do you think? Share your comments!

Trouble for Teen Dieters

2006-04-17T17:35:00.000-04:00

A recent study in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association shows that teenage girls who use unhealthy methods to lose weight are much more likely to be overweight down the road.

The study looked at 2,000 girls over time and was conducted by the University of Minnesota.

Girls who used unhealthy weight control measures were also more likely to engage in out-of-control binging, intentional vomiting, and diuretic use.

Very dangerous stuff.

As I stress in my articles, on my websites, and in my book, it is so important to go about managing weight the right way: eating properly, minimizing unnecessary calories, increasing physical activity and fitness, and maintaining a healthy state of mind.

Don't forget that last part. A child's emotional well-being is crucial to long-term success as this study shows.

Latest Child Obesity Stats...

2006-04-09T17:18:00.000-04:00

The Journal of the American Medical Association just reported on the latest statistics for child obesity (through 2004)...

17.1% of children aged 2-19 are overweight
32% of adults 20 and above are overweight
the prevalence of obesity in girls increased from 13.8% to 16% since 1999
the prevalence of obesity in boys increased from 14.0% to 18.2% since 1999

Depressing, huh?

How would you like to make a difference in your child's chances of developing obesity?

Interested?

Click here.

Kick Your Kids Out...

2006-04-06T19:25:00.000-04:00

of the house, that is...

Here in Virginia, the weather is finally starting to turn warm again. The weatherman says 76 degrees tomorrow. That means I'm kicking my kids out of the house.

I expect the same from all of you.

Get your children away from the TV and plan activities outside. Go on a picnic or a scavenger hunt (get some practice for Easter egg hunting!).

Take advantage of the low bug population this time of the year and enjoy a sunset walk through the neighborhood with your family.

Get out, get some air, and get healthy.

Less Sleep Leads to Child Obesity?

2006-04-02T19:56:00.000-04:00

Researchers publishing a study in the International Journal of Obesity claim that the less your child sleeps, the more likely they are to be overweight.

In a study of 5-10 year olds, researchers in Quebec found that children who got significantly less sleep were much more likely to be overweight.

Their theory is that when a child sleeps less, their hormone production changes to increase hunger.

Very interesting, but more studies will need to be done to confirm this.

Standing Room Only...

2006-03-31T07:45:00.000-05:00

The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota is experimenting with what they call "the classroom of the future". What's so revolutionary? Well, aside from Ipods and other technology being used in innovative ways, there's actually something missing in the classrooms.

Chairs.

Their thought is that with kids standing up, they'll move around more, be more physically active and interactive, learn in a new and previously untapped way, and hopefully, help burn more calories.

Very interesting stuff. I'll be anxious to see how their pilot program goes.

What To Do First?

2006-03-30T11:11:00.000-05:00

Parents who are ready to get started helping their kids live a healthier life often don't know how to get started.

Change eating habits?

Cut out sweets?

Start exercising?

Everybody has an opinion, and it can all be overwhelming.

When I talk to patients and their parents, I tell them that the first thing they should do is figure out what they want. What are their goals?

I go over their goals with them and make sure that they're reasonable. It's hard to know how to get someplace if you don't know where you're going first.

Take this opportunity to talk with your child and ask them what he or she wants. Then, speak with your child's doctor and make sure that your goals are specific, reasonable, and attainable.

Welcome to The Healthy Child (Audio)

2006-03-29T15:25:00.000-05:00

Better Child Health... Coming Soon!

2006-03-29T09:56:00.000-05:00

Welcome to "The Healthy Child"! My name is Dr. Michael Scaccia and I am a pediatrician in Virginia.

Like you, I'm concerned about the health of our children, and how to steer them clear of the worldwide obesity epidemic.

I'll be posting tips, news, information, discussions, and other useful tidbits to help you get a handle on healthy living for kids.

For more articles and information, visit:

http://www.childnutritionguide.com