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[C579]Childhood Obesity School Lunches

by George Godoy, Geo

Western diets are oozing with more fat and sugar than ever before, while children are becoming more complacent and getting less physical exercise by sitting in front of computers all day, and in front of TV sets at night. These activities, along with the lack of physical exercise programs in our schools, are not providing the energy that a child's body requires to burn off calorie intake.

Indeed, the risk factors for childhood obesity read like a checklist of ailments that only a generation ago would never have been linked to children and diet: heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, depression, and of course, social ridicule and alienation. The reality is that American families are surrendering our youth to a silent epidemic - childhood obesity.

One of the biggest problems in children's diets today is that of carbonated soft drinks. Because of the fact that there is absolutely no nutritional value in these drinks, it is crucial that they are eliminated from the diet. Instead, substitute them with fresh juices and other sugar-free drinks. By creating a soft drink free environment at home and teaching your child about healthier alternatives, you can help change their thought process.

You should also try making a list of healthy foods everyone agrees on and point out the health benefits to your kids. Children must be provided with foods that are nutritionally sound, and foods that they actually enjoy eating.

Instead of focusing on a diet for only one child in the family, focus on improving the health of all family members by removing junk foods, (remember carbonated soft drinks) from the home, and instead prepare or purchase meals that are low in fat and sugar.

Making a realistic plan that will take a short time to complete will allow you to quickly adapt new eating habits, showing your children that there are an endless variety of foods. In turn, this will make them aware of the things they eat and their effect on weight and body.

Childhood obesity is a growing problem in the United States. According to the CDC, since the 70s, the prevalence of obesity in children ages 6-11 has increased from 6.5. However, a recent RAND Corporation study says that school playgrounds and athletic facilities can be important tools in the fight against childhood obesity. Given these facts, it is more important than ever for children to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating right and getting regular exercise every day. At Creative Systems, we believe that we can get children active in a fun and creative way. Our play systems offer entertainment and activity for children of all ages. The combination of ground, elevated, and stand alone systems encourage children to climb, slide and swing. Children can enjoy their play and at the same time, receive valuable health benefits.

According to Dr. Amy Bohn, it is important that physical activities are fun. ?Exercise shouldn't be a chore, especially for children,? she says. ?With warm weather outside, kids can do a variety of activities that involve both fun and fitness.? Creative Systems agrees. This is why we believe quality playground equipment is so important for the physical and mental health of your child.

Creative Systems playground equipment not only encourages physical activity, but mental and social interaction as well. We offer a variety of play components, everything from slides to climbers to seesaws and rockers. Our playgrounds are not only safe and durable but also bright, colorful, and appealing to children of all ages. Our play systems are designed according to specific age groups so that children can have their own unique and age-appropriate equipment. Younger children can explore their creativity at our activity tables and play on our smaller scale play systems. Children of elementary school age will enjoy more physically challenging equipment. One of our main goals is to get your children outside, playing in the fresh air. On our play systems they can stay health and learn valuable lessons in their social interaction with other children their own age. Creative Systems supports the physical health of your child, as well as his/her psychological and social health.

For more information and articles like this please visit us at the creative systems website

Article Source : how to prevent obesity

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Both George Godoy & Brittany Hidahl are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

George Godoy has sinced written about articles on various topics from Obesity, Entertainment Guide and Careers and Job Hunting. Wait! Don't take your child to McDonald's. A well crafted plan and this secret weapon can transform your child from fat to fit. Find out how to get both .... George Godoy's top article generates over 5400 views. to your Favourites.

Brittany Hidahl has sinced written about articles on various topics from Obesity, Recreation and Sports. Brittany HidahlCreative Recreational Systems, Inc.3039 Kilgore Road, Suite 130Rancho Cordova, CA 95670Phone: 916.638.5375Fax: 916.638.5427www.creativesystems.com. Brittany Hidahl's top article generates over 1300 views. to your Favourites.