Reversing the Epidemic of Obesity in Children
There is an epidemic of obesity, and obese children are the fastest growing segment of society, according to a report by the Surgeon General. Approximately 25 percent of todayÂ’s youth are overweight or obese. Parents, frustrated by attempts to alter the lifestyles of their children are turning to a new program designed to prevent obesity and reverse the trend.
Hollywood, FL (PRWEB) December 14, 2003
There is an epidemic of obesity among children, according to a report by the Surgeon General. Approximately 25 percent of todayÂ’s youth are overweight or obese. Parents, frustrated by attempts to alter the lifestyles of their children are turning to a new program designed to prevent obesity and reverse the trend.
Mom, Pop and Me targets lifestyle habits that prevent obesity and promote a healthy, fit lifestyle for children of all ages. The focus of the Mom, Pop and Me program is not on treating obesity per se, but preventing obesity through fun, educational activities that foster healthy behavior and active living, according to founder Shondelle Solomon-Miles, a weight loss educator and coach.
“Instilling in children the principles of proper nutrition and the importance of exercise is key to becoming a healthy, active adult,” said Solomon-Miles. “The time to make a difference is in the early years before habits become entrenched.”
Recently the Surgeon General called on pediatricians to combat obesity in children. A report showed that obesity among children is at an all-time high, and with it came concerns that health care costs will rise because of a growing population of obese adults.
“We can reverse that trend if we help our children to learn healthy lifestyles that will last them throughout their lives,” explained Solomon-Miles.
Mom, Pop and Me, is an exercise, nutrition, behavior modification and skills development program designed for children 7 to12. Parents do not have to attend the training sessions, but family involvement is paramount to success.
Children will learn about nutrition, exercise, and healthy lifestyle topics, such as the food guide pyramid, cardiovascular exercise, and fun recreational activities, including basketball and martial arts.
“It is our intent that this ten-week course will develop new habits that will impact our children’s lives forever,” said Solomon-Miles.
The goal of Mom, Pop and Me is to teach children to make healthier food choices, to become more physically active, to develop positive lifestyle habits, to learn better ways of solving problems, and to develop a more positive image about themselves and their accomplishments.
The program is available for local South Florida residents to attend in person, and for others to participate in through a video course program. Those who are interested should visit the Mom, Pop and Me website at http://MomPopAndMe. com (http://MomPopAndMe. com).
Free information and tips on preventing obesity can be found on the site as well.
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