Take Part in Childhood Obesity Awareness in September

At Care, Inc. we have a special interest in the health of our clients. They become like part of our family in so many ways and through the caring services we provide.

We feel so strongly about the great health and well-being of the families we serve, and want to do everything we can to make their lives better. As we move into September, it is noteworthy to observe National Childhood Obesity, which has become an epidemic that is often ignored in the fast paced world we live in. One in every 3 children in the US is overweight or obese, according to the US Dept. of Health and Human Services.

That’s a scary statistic, considering the often grave consequences.

For example, children who are obese have a higher risk of serious health problems, such as juvenile diabetes or even type 2 diabetes, which were formerly only seen in overweight adults. Kids can also get heart disease or high blood pressure, which increases their risk of death at a very young and tragic age.

The all-too-common myths, such as “It’s genetic” or “Everyone in my family is fat” are not true. While yes, there does seem to be a link between obesity in parents and their children, the main culprit is often the foods we eat, lack of exercise and even the new obsession with technology. Kids today simply live a more sedentary lifestyle due to all of the new technologies that are available to them.

One of the biggest advocates of this growing problem is first lady, Michelle Obama. As parents, teachers, friends, neighbors or relatives, we are all accountable. We should encourage people to make small strides towards improving this problem, such as offering healthier options for children both at home and school. Processed and prepared or frozen foods have a lot of fat-storing preservatives that are simply not good for us, even if they claim to be “healthy” on the label.

We hope you will be motivated by our concern for the care and well-being of your family. If we see something we can do to help, we will. Please ask us if you have a concern of childhood obesity in your family and our care givers can assist you with some ideas and actions towards a helpful solution.