nutrition
...that are eagerly consumed by American teenagers and pre-teens alike. It places a large burden on the shoulders of parents when we ask them to counter the many negative images our kids receive about physical health and beauty. As much as we have learned about the dangers of illnesses like Anorexia and Bulimia, we are learning from recent medical reports there is another dangerous trend among American youth: childhood obesity. It is an issue that requires immediate attention from our entire community. The US Department of Health and Human Services found the percentage of children who are overweight continues to increase. Among children and teens ages 6 to 19, almost 9 million in America are overweight, a figure that has tripled since 1980. In addition, nearly 10 percent of American high school students are considered obese. With intense focus on obesity in the media recently, parents of children of all ages should know the adverse effects of this epidemic can include diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, and cancer. Childhood obesity is not merely a cosmetic issue, but a disease, and one that needs special attention and real solutions. As parents, educators, and other community members realize a responsible solution is necessary, local leaders are joining the Coalition for a Healthy and Active America (CHAA), a national grassroots organization devoted to bringing together communities to meet the challenge of childhood obesity. Like many prominent leaders, CHAA members agree that solutions should be centered on both increased physical activity and expanded nutrition education. Nutrition education is more than just dieting; in fact, we should encourage our youth to establish long-term, balanced dietary habits, and not simply engage in a quick-fix diet. Teenagers often see fad dieting as a quick and easy solution to their body image concerns. New research at the Harva...