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Child Obesity, What Can We Do?

By
Real Estate Agent with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services

Child Obesity, What Can We Do?

Keeping in mind the name of our blog is "Cleveland Real Estate and More", today's post has nothing to do with real estate and to me, is "more" important.

It amazes me that the rate of childhood obesity continues to increase. I have seen staggering figures that upwards of 35% of children in America are obese, and it makes me sad.

 

childhood obesity

 

One of my serious passions in life is health and fitness.  I work out 1-2 hours a day doing weights, Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai and anything else I can, just to push myself. I realize that many adults don't like to exercise or eat healthy, and that's certainly their choice. However, when it comes to children, kids only know what they are taught.  Therefore, we must do a better job when it comes to teaching them healthy habits, and leading by example.  Here is one simple thing we have done that has been successful.

Basically, we require our kids to exercise at least 20 minutes plus eat a certain amount of fruits and vegetables every day in order to earn dessert, no exceptions.  I call it a reward for positive behavior rather than taking something away for bad behavior. In my mind, it is pretty minimal, but a good foundation on which to build. This is purely my rule because Amy has a hard time with discipline. The kids think I am mean but I would rather be viewed as a mean parent with healthy kids than a well liked parent with unhealthy children.

While we certainly don't claim to know everything about parenting, we have shared this with some of our friends and they seem to love the idea. The most important thing is to teach kids the concept of moderation, so they can form good habits now and grow up to be healthy productive adults.

We actually go so far as to follow this model ourselves as parents, so we can lead by example. Personally, I have no problem with this as I rarely eat dessert, but I have to watch Amy like a hawk as she has a tendency to want to cheat after putting the kids to bed.

I suppose that we can discuss putting a tax on soft drinks, limit how much TV our kids watch, or attempt to get schools to have gym more than once a week. But in the end, as parents, it is our job to teach our kids how to live a healthy lifestyle and if we don't, they may grow up with health problems that could have been prevented with just a little bit of education and some tough love. 

 

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This information is provided compliments of Dan and Amy Schuman of The Schuman Team, Keller Williams Realty Greater Cleveland.

If you are looking to buy or sell a home in Cleveland, please contact the Schuman Team at 216-346-3235.

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Child Obesity, What Can We Do?  is the property of The Schuman Team and may be duplicated or used without their written consent. ©March,2010

Comments (5)

Jim Frimmer
HomeSmart Realty West - San Diego, CA
Realtor & CDPE, Mission Valley specialist

So many schools have done away with P.E. and afterschool programs like continued tennis practice, etc. Too many children got hurt, broke bones, etc., and their parents wound up suing the school district. It was a cash cow for parents of the injured, but don't all kids suffer broken bones and injuries while growing up? Unfortunately, the actions of a few parents ruin it for everyone else. Everything now takes place during the school day and the school grounds are locked up afterwards behind a 12-foot fence topped with 3 feet of barbed wire. No going onto school grounds to play pickup basketball, flag football, tennis, or anything else.

Communities don't build playground equipment in parks, basketball courts, softball fields, etc., anymore because people would get injured and then sue the city. A city park now has some grass and sidewalks. That's about it.

With overpopulation continuing unabated in all parts of the world, it's more difficult for anyone to get out into the wild and enjoy nature and the environment, and it seems that when they do, something bad happens as with Chelsea King here last week.

I guess the best we can do is stay inside and get some virtual exercise or turn a spare bedroom into a home gym.

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Mar 05, 2010 01:37 AM
Dan and Amy Schuman
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services - Solon, OH
Luxury Home Specialists

Hi Jim, thanks for your comments. Things are definitely different today than when I was a kid. We used to just go over to a friends house and play football or baseball in the back yard until it was time to go home for dinner. Our community here in Solon offers a lot of activities for the kids and for those parents who don't have the money or time to invest, a good bike ride or even a walk is better than nothing. I would imagine every community has its challenges. I bet you have some pretty nice public beaches in San Diego that would be ideal for some physical activity.

Mar 05, 2010 02:30 AM
Betsy Schuman Dodek
Washington Fine Properties - Washington DC Area Real Estate - Potomac, MD
SearchPotomacHomes.com

Dan - great post. Sam and I just joined a gym because we want to get in better shape and be good role models for Ms. Becca!

Mar 05, 2010 09:46 PM
Gabrielle Kamahele Rhind
KGC Properties LLC, Tucson Property Management & Real Estate - Tucson, AZ
Broker/Owner

GOOD MORNING DAN!  Very strong issue with me too!  My daughter is on a swim team, does karate, runs, rides her bike, plays softball, soccer, hangs out at playgrounds .... basically, she moves everyday - most of the day.  We also teach her healthy eating habits and, same as you, sweets are a reward not a "given".  Is it easy?  No way - trust me - no one asks for any of her lunch at school! I realize it's easier for parents to give kids processed box lunches, or to heat up a frozen pizza for dinner -- but the long term effect on their health not to mention on their brain development is impacted by poor habits. Children have a hard enough time being children - letting them be obese only adds to the pressures of growing up! Thanks for sharing your opinions! (PS - I have Amy's problem so I can't keep goodies in the house!) -- Gab

Mar 10, 2010 09:20 PM
Dan and Amy Schuman
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services - Solon, OH
Luxury Home Specialists

Hey Gab, thanks for commenting. Your house seems a lot like ours. My kids need a little "push" to exercise and I have to stay on them but I do agree we need to teach our children healthy eating habits.

Mar 11, 2010 02:13 AM