What Every Parent Should Know About Childhood Obesity

This may seem like a very bold statement, but it was recently reported by leading experts that today’s generation of parents might be the first generation to outlive their own children. Why is this?

It’s estimated that 155 million children age 5 to 17 are overweight or obese. In the medical community, we are beginning to see a sharp rise in children with Type 2 Diabetes. This is the kind of diabetes that it is directly related to obesity. Most parents don’t realize that if their child develops diabetes prior to the age of 14 years they are shortening their life by 17 to 27 years. 

What can you do about this? The first thing you can do is take ownership of the problem. Talk candidly with your pediatrician or family practitioner about your child’s individual risks. Ask to see your child’s weight plotted on a growth chart. If your child’s weight is over 75%, it’s probably time to be concerned.

Next, change your child’s activity level. The average child spends 25-35 hours per week watching T.V., playing video games, or sitting at a computer. Turn off the electronics during daylight hours and get your child moving. Enroll them in a swimming class, gymnastics, dance, or martial arts.

Lastly, set the example of healthy eating & exercise for your child. Children naturally mimic what they see. If they see you living a sedentary lifestyle, they will likely do the same. Go for a walk with your child, ride bicycles, toss a ball, or play Frisbee. Make it fun. Also, set the example in the way you eat. If you buy chips, cookies, and sugary snack food for the house, you are sending the message that these things are safe to eat. Provide healthier options that do not include processed sugar, corn, or potatoes. 

If you would like tips on eating healthy and fun ways to make good eating habits, give us a call at 731-343-2223. We will be glad to help you reach your goals.

Brian Brown, MSN, APRN-BC

Your Secret Weapon To Healthy Living

Adequate protein is your secret weapon to healthy living. Healthy living starts with healthy eating, and protein is king. I know this sounds radical, but it’s true. Obviously, you want to eat a very balanced diet. This should include the healthiest forms of protein: lean meat, whey, or soy to name a few. However, what most people are not aware of is the importance of timing.

Morning time is the healthiest time of day that you should eat the bulk of your protein. There are hormonal reasons why you should start your day with protein. The amounts of morning protein vary based on age, dietary needs, individual health goals, and the presence of any illnesses such as diabetes or kidney disease. You should consult a health provider to discuss the proper amount that’s right for you.

Start your day with a healthy dose of lean protein such as egg whites, a whey protein shake, or a soy protein shake, and you will find your energy level improve & your cravings decrease. Make sure you drink plenty of water and you will be well on your way to a healthier life.

Know Your Number

The Key To Successful Weight Loss

Most people think that the only way to measure success with weight loss is by the number of pounds lost on the scales. Nothing could be further from the truth. You may be asking, what is this all-important number that we need to pay attention to? Is it inches? Is it Body Mass Index (BMI)? The answer is Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR). 

Your Resting Metabolic Rate, or RMR, is the total number of daily calories that your body uses at rest. This number is very unique to your body. Imagine this: If you stayed in bed all day and never moved a muscle, the amount of calories that your body used during that time would be your RMR. An RMR is unique as your fingerprint & is dependent on factors such as Age, Body Weight, Hormone Levels, Gender, Muscle Mass, Illness, Disease, & Medications. This number is so unique that six people could be identical in age, gender, body size, and lifestyle but they would all have different RMR’s.

Why is this number so important? The RMR helps us customize a diet that is very specific to your daily calorie needs. As a result, this helps you to avoid unnecessary hunger & cravings by taking all of the guess-work out of the picture. Research shows that people who know their RMR experience nearly double the weight loss compared to traditional methods. Your RMR can be measured with a simple & painless five to ten minute breathing test. This leads to better results that are based on your individual needs AND does away with the one-size-fits-all diet approach you’ve tried before.

Call us for more information on how to get your RMR tested. (731)343-2223