As I have researched these blogs on physical fitness and proper nutrition, I ran across another issue regarding the challenge parents face in coaching their children away from unhealthy eating without making for strained relations and possible psychological problems. How do parents get their kids to understand that their intake of food impacts their overall health without making them rebel or be unduly self-conscious of the consequences.
I am talking about the young man who knowingly eats more than he should, or the daughter who treats food warily – always concerned about her waistline. Neither may be considered obese or anorexic, but they represent a larger group of young people who fall between those widely publicized (and much more complicated) extremes.
In recent years, worry about what and how much children eat has intensified because of the frequent references to obesity. Then there is the concern with children back in school where parents cannot monitor their eating habits. It’s encouraging, however, that school cafeterias and vending areas are providing fewer sugary soft drinks and fried foods, and class bake sales are more apt to feature calorie-reduced brownies.
Even with all this increased awareness, parents are having to sort out all the conflicting information regarding diets and weight control. Beyond genes, which obviously play a fundamental role, is soda pop a major factor? What about too little sleep?
An article in The Republic this week reports that one in five youngsters isn’t getting enough Vitamin D and could be at risk for a variety of health problems, including weak bones, infections, diabetes and some cancers. The deficiency is even more prevalent among Minorities. The American Academy of Pediatrics indicated that children can get 400 units of Vitamin D by drinking four cups of fortified milk daily or eating lots of fish. Exposure to our Arizona sun is another source of Vitamin D.
As one parent pointed out, “We get nutritional advice, but that’s not the same as eating advice.” My best answer is that parents should encourage sensible eating and vigorous physical activity by engaging in both themselves, thereby setting the example their children hopefully will follow. Another good suggestion is to involve your children in the shopping for, and cooking of meals as a way to heighten their consciousness about food and proper eating habits.
~ Lew Shaw
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The Grand Canyon State Games is a multi-sport Olympic Festival providing a showcase for the talents and aspirations for Arizona and America's youth regardless of age or ability and to share many of the great attributes of our state. In fact we have had a 3 year old come down the mountain in our Winter skiing event and a 99 year old gentleman throw the javelin in our Track & Field event. We truly have something for everyone.
