Lifestyle Fitness in Livermore trying to end Children Obesity in Livermore, CA
As the owner of a personal training gym in Livermore, obesity and all of the serious illnesses it leads to is a common motive in clients seeking our weight-loss programs. What is more frightening is not the number of obese people in Livermore, but the number of obese children that has risen over the past 2 decades. According to the CDC, it is reported that 17% of children are obese. The increase in overweight children who end up with type-2 diabetes and a whole other list of health problems before the age of 16 is not only alarming but an issue that I believe should be a top priority for parents, schools and government officials.
So what can we do as a community in Livermore to help our children stay out of these statistics? I’ve decided to dedicate my efforts to not only helping adults get healthy but to implement a program for children and teens to lose weight and get into a healthy weight range! Here are a few tips to help parents and their children:
- Find out what a healthy weight range is for your child and calculate their body mass index.
- Teach your child about eating and calorie counting and make it fun! Many times kids are not aware that fried and fast foods are high-calorie dense foods that don’t offer much nutritional value. Show them ways to make healthy chicken nuggets and their other favorites without all the junk.
- Lower their portion sizes. Often times, parents believe that kids can eat as much as they would like to because they are kids, but this simply isn’t true. It is important to create portion control awareness so that they do not over-eat and learn healthy habits as they become adults.
- Monitor their eating when you are not around. Lunch time at school can be dangerous in terms of high-calorie foods. Vending machines full of soda and other snacks can also pose a large threat to our children. Pack their lunch and snacks instead of giving them money for lunch. Don’t keep junk in your kitchen where kids can grab foods when you are not around. Talk to your schools and get involved in getting healthier choices to our children at schools.
- Get them moving! Many kids do not exercise and their play-time activities involve sitting in front of a television or computer. The key is that they are not running, jumping and playing active games as kids once use to before technology advancements have allowed us to become lazy. Limit your children’s television and computer time to 1-2 hours per day. Have dedicated time outside to run, bike ride, walk the dog, and other physical activities that are enjoyable. Get them involved in team sports which will also engage them to make friends and build other skills.
- If your child is obese and is having a tough time in making lifestyle changes get help. Speak to your doctor, get them involved in programs that can help.
For more information on preventing child obesity and programs we offer to teens and children at our facility, contact me.
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Hello,
I really love what you are doing for the community in Livermore, CA. I also work with people in changing their lifestyle to a more healthy one…lose weight and fuel their body with essential nutrients, minerals, and vitamins we don’t get on a daily basis in our food. It makes me sad to constantly hear the statistic that this generation of kids will not outlive their parents. It is heartbreaking to me. I recently learned on a training call I was on that nearly 1/3 of kids ages 4-13 eat fast food on a daily basis. I am with you on your charge.