It takes a village...

It has been highly publicized that those who are having children or who currently have kids up to the tender age of seventeen could possibly out live their children.  This is not due to war or lack of essential resources but attributed to childhood obesity.

According to Employee Benefits News (EBN) in the November 2011 publication in an article entitled Kids in Crisis, fifteen percent of children and adolescents are overweight and sixteen percent are obese, which amounts to twenty four million children in the United States.  As a matter of fact, this number has tripled within the last thirty years!

Let alone the negative impacts that childhood obesity has on children, in the wake of Health Care Reform, such an epidemic puts a severe dent within claims experience.  Average per-capita insurance claims costs range from $2907 for an obese child and $10,789 for a child with Type II diabetes. (EBN 11/2011)

Who or what is the major contributing factor to national problem?  Many blame the evolution of home-based technological advancements which make individuals more complacent and sedentary.  Others may point the finger at environmental constrictions such as crime or unbearable climate change.  Let's not forget the convenience of fast food as well which has been an issue for the longest time.

All the above are credible reasons (along with a plethora of other reasons), but I believe that in order to change the trend all hands must be on deck.  The shift in behavior must occur with all of us individually.

Referencing the article entitled Kids in Crisis, the corporate approach to tackling childhood obesity is to start with the actual employee (or parent).  The believe is that is the parent changes their unhealthy habits, the child is to follow the example.

This certainly is one approach to consider, but being a former camp counselor, high school teacher and coach, as a teenager continues to grow they tend to consider their parents suggestions less and less.  Therefore, auntie, uncle, neighbor, cousin and friend need to be there for the child in high gear.  Encourage your friend/relative to go to overnight summer camp with you.  Go hiking on the weekend or play four square together.  When my wife and I first moved into our neighborhood in 2007 we were quickly dubbed the "cool parents" because we were outside playing neighborhood games with our daughter and her friends just about everyday.  Even though Tamika and I don't participate as much as we use to, we still find the children using our side of the cul-de-sac to play with expectations that we might come out (and we do from time to time).  More importantly the kids have continued to play without us and are healthier for continuing to do so.

Don't get me wrong, parents most definitely should incorporate their kids in their fitness and health living  activities (sometime at the child's displeasure).  Joe Miller who is the managing director at CHC Wellness was quoted saying, "Parents decisions and habits affect their children." If we look at the other side of the spectrum, children might not know what healthy behaviors are because they don't see best practices executed on a regular basis.  To start, parents should incorporate their kids in at least cooking one meal a week together.  This demonstrates to children that wellness should be a family activity and will eventually be branded into their DNA that such practices should come as second nature.

Another practice that should be engaged in to tackle childhood obesity are team sports.  Studies have shown that children who are active in team sports are better decision makers and work well with others.  Not only will engaging children in team sports lead them to healthier lifestyles, but such activities will prepare them for the hills and valleys they will experience in their professional careers.

When H.I.V. was the ever repeating trend in health discussion during the mid-nineties, my father use to mutter under his breath "I ain't burying any of my children" while we would watch the news together. Of course he would then open up into discussion making sure I knew what H.I.V. was from a high level, however, the "not burying them" mentality should be considered for our own children.  As responsible Americans it is incumbent upon us all to lead by healthy example.

Stay tuned...