September is childhood obesity awareness month. Obesity among children ages 6-11 increased from 6.5% in 1980 to 19.6% in 2008. Obesity among adolescents ages 12-19 increased from 5.0% to 18.1% during the same time frame. That's close to 20% in both age groups. Health issues such as high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes that have been previously reserved for adults are now starting to bother children and youth. If you have the opportunity, influence children and youth in your life to make healthy choices such as wholesome foods and physical activity. Parents can even encourage activity through "GeoPalz". This is an online tracking system that allows children to log in and track their activity. There is a prize in there somewhere although the best reward is a healthy life.
Resource: www.geopalz.com
"The China Study" by T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D.
Thomas M. Campbell II, M.D.
