Obesity and Bullying

A new study has just confirmed that children who are obese are a higher target for bullies. Obesity and bullying are two different issues that need awareness because these both create an alarming number of different problems. In fact, according to JoAnn Stevelos, 24% of boys and 30% of girls said that they were teased because of their size.

The following are problems linked to obesity and bullying:

• depression
• self-esteem problems
• may cause children to miss school or leave school all together

Checkout these articles for more information

http://www.obesityaction.org/magazine/ywm22/bullying.php

http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/05/03/obesity.bullying/index.html

http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/05/03/us-obese-s-idUSTRE6421XQ20100503
HealthyChildren.org - Teasing and Bullying

*Bullying in itself is also a problem that needs more awareness checkout this website and pledge to stop bullying :)

http://www.standtogether.tv/

Talk to you all soon!

Small Changes Make A Difference

Small changes can lead up to long term change. Childhood Obesity may sound overwhelming because the components of the problem can lead to other problems and you just don't know where to begin. Not to worry, a simple change in your meals can be the key to get started or setting a goal for you and your family is a start!

Here are some other small changes that can lead to big time results: 

• Make a goal for you and your family
• Include some type of fruit or vegetable in every meal
• Watch less television
• Drink water with every meal
• Talk about the importance of 'healthy living' with your friends and family

Using What We Know

Now that we have an idea of where childhood obesity begins and how it is a continuous problem let's make a difference and join others within our community to make a difference. How can we join such a big movement like Michelle Obama's "Lets Move?"

Let's Move meets up everywhere! When you go to http://www.letsmove.gov/ click on the "Join Us" link from there it will take you to a list of more than 300 cities in our nation! Pick your closest location. If your location has yet to get involved make one! Remember it begins with us.

Here is another website for more information on childhood obesity

http://healthykidshealthyfuture.org/welcome.html

Michelle Obama's words cannot explain it any better. "It is about knowledge and implementation."