| The epidemic of child obesity in America seems to | | | | distracted by the television, their iPods, or their cell |
| have never been more prevalent than it is today. | | | | phones our words, both positive and negative, stick. |
| Even with all of the media attention on the increase | | | | They will begin to model or try to become what |
| in weight and the decline of activity of children all | | | | they think you think of them. |
| across our country, not enough seems to be | | | | If your consistent message is "you are overweight |
| happening to make the differences that the next | | | | and all you do is sit in front of the TV all day", then |
| generation needs to see. What is even more | | | | that is what they will eventually emulate. Positive |
| frightening is that we don't need the television or | | | | reinforcement like, "You looked so fast running from |
| obesity statistics to know that the problem isn't | | | | the school bus to the front door today. I bet that's |
| going away; we can see it in our neighborhoods and | | | | why you're doing so well in soccer," is a great way |
| sometimes in our own households. | | | | to stimulate the activity you would like to see more |
| There is hope. Education is key; education for | | | | of. |
| parents, teachers, and the community, but also | | | | Lead by Example: My parents have always been my |
| education for the kids. The more we all know, the | | | | greatest heroes. Some of my favorite childhood |
| easier it will be to create a change. | | | | memories were of playing baseball and soccer in the |
| In working with men, women, and children as a | | | | front yard, basketball in the driveway, or just racing |
| Personal Trainer, Group Exercise Instructor, and | | | | my Mom and Dad up and down the street. It didn't |
| Youth Sports Instructor over the past decade, I | | | | occur to me until years later how much of an impact |
| have seen the highs and the lows of fitness in | | | | that had on me growing up and is probably part of |
| America. Having been witness to some of those | | | | the reason that I'm writing this today. Thanks Mom |
| lows, I can still see a light at the end of the tunnel, | | | | and Dad! |
| but what's more important is that the children see | | | | Talk about It: Kids and adults browse through |
| that light. | | | | magazines, read newspapers, and watch the |
| Know what? They do. | | | | television daily. Look for your coaching opportunities. |
| So, what can we do as individuals to start making a | | | | If a news clip comes on that focuses on child obesity |
| difference in the lives of children that may be | | | | in America, ask your kids for their thoughts. You may |
| suffering from childhood obesity? | | | | be surprised to find that their knowledge of the |
| Here are 4 Helpful Hints for Fighting Child Obesity in | | | | subject matter is more detailed than you originally |
| America | | | | thought. What's even better? They may have some |
| Be Supportive: When we least expect it, children are | | | | great ideas on stopping childhood obesity. |
| listening. Whether they seem mesmerized or | | | | |