Why You SHOULD Take Candy From a Baby

It may not be nice, but it is necessary.

About 16 percent of kids and adolescents (age 6 to 19) in the United States are overweight—a number that has been steadily increasing since the 70s.

Today childhood obesity is an epidemic, and its effects are severe. Childhood obesity dramatically increases the likelihood that the child will be overweight or obese as an adult, and reduces the child’s life expectancy by as much as five years.

Obesity also brings with it a slew of other health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma, hypertension, osteoporosis, and some cancers,

To combat childhood obesity, some school districts are participating in the National School Lunch Program, which provides healthy, balanced lunches to public and private schools at a reduced cost or for free.

Participating schools must develop a ‘wellness policy’ by the upcoming school year. The San Lorenzo Valley school district in California is already developing its policy, which offers healthy, balanced lunches, more physical activity, and more education on health and wellness.

If your school district is involved in the program, great! If not, get in touch with your child’s principal or the school PTA to encourage similar policy adoption.

And don’t forget about the importance of home education. Teach your children to eat healthy foods in proper proportions. Encourage them to play outside instead of spending hours in front of the TV.

Let’s get with it, and get our kids healthy NOW. Time’s a wastin’!