From the day we are born, we age. It is inevitable. But did you know that the more sedentary you are, the less efficient all your organs become? And as we age, our ability to make up for this sedentary lifestyle decreases dramatically. As more children are diagnosed with what I refer to as ‘TOO MUCH Sitting Syndrome.’ From urinary incontinence, skin rashes on their laps from laptop computers, lack of normal sleep and chronic backpain and eyestrain, where will our children be at 30? 40? 50? Probably not well.…

Many people feel overwhelmed by the diet and nutrition information that abounds in type and online. If you are always trying to lose weight this time of year–let’s all get ready for summer!–then you have probably tried many different weight-loss plans over the years. How about your kids? Have some of your diet successes and failures trickled down to them?

You know showing your children how to eat healthy is necessary, but buying fresh fruit for a change is only a part of it. Many children, both boys and girls, begin developing food issues,…

There is a trend in obesity research that suggests we may be going about correcting this healthcare issue in the wrong way. Recent research shows that caloric intake in obese adolescents is less than their fit peers. This and many other research expresses concern that addressing diet is only a small part of the problem. Younger children were also studied and found that caloric intake did impact weight overall. So now what?  Time to exercise and incorporate healthier habits has always been proven in the adult population to be of…

Once upon a time there were children who played all day. There was no television, computer, or electronics keeping them inside. Duck, Duck, Goose, and Ring-Around-the-Rosie were sung and played by every preschooler around. Parents would join in and the fun would begin. Imagination and creativity would abound with stick ball, street hockey and baseball. A bicycle was had by everyone and was used everyday. We read books about adventure and we made our own adventures. We were action heroes and we did not play the action hero with our…

Mom says,” Please pick up something on the way to school for lunch. I have to run to work. Bye!” Child says, “OK.”  As he does. Most days, it is something quick and processed. No fruit, no vegetables — and potato chips do not count as a vegetable! He’s picking whatever is convenient. Does this scenario sound familiar?

As we increase our need for quick food, that quick food is costing more and providing less and less to your body. The rate of obesity in 12-19 year olds in 2000 was…

Credit: pdphoto.com

In my many years in pediatric nursing, I have seen many changes in the health of our youngest population and one of the biggest issues I see is weight. Children born today will be 18-year-olds in 2030, and the CDC projects that by 2030, 42% of people in the United States will be obese. One word: WOW!!! What are we doing to cause this horrible trend that will cost our nation over $500 billion in healthcare costs? We cannot afford nor should we stand back and let this happen.

For…

Why are our children getting heavier? It’s a topic in the news and on almost every other magazine these days.

There are many causes for the weight gain in our children, some of which I have addressed in this blog. Today I want to talk about picking good foods for your kids. When shopping for foods it is always best to choose the non-processed option. I know you are rolling your eyes about now thinking your kids don’t like broccoli, fresh lettuce, fish or real fruit. It’s true, a healthy diet takes…

To a child who is obese, hearing these words over and over again leads to isolation, depression, and chronic health problems. Sixteen percent of 9th- to 12th-grade teenagers in New York State are classified as obese, and that number has been climbing since 2006. Conditions that are comorbid with obesity in adult patients, such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, are now being seen in younger and younger children, which may ultimately shorten their lifespans.

This may be the first generation of children who will live shorter lives than their parents. How…

The facts:

Heart Disease, Cancer, and unintentional injuries are the leading causes of death among men in the U.S. according to the CDC website.

19% of men under the age of 65 do not have medical insurance.

33% of men 20 years of age and older are considered obese.

31% of men 20 years of age and older have hypertension.

12% of men 18 years of age and over are in fair or poor health.

(Data retrieved from CDC Website.)

It makes sense to talk about healthy activities that inspire change in some of these trends during Men’s Health Month.

I asked some…

Many of us know people who say they want to increase their physical activity or eat better, and at times you may see a change. But for the most part, those eye-opening moments occur when you’re seeing someone for the first time in a while .

Recently, I saw a gentleman at a store who I had as a patient a few months ago. It is not common that I get to see someone again out of the home, so it was a surprise. What was more surprising however, was the weight Mr.…