According to a February 2011 survey, childhood obesity is a major healthcare concern for the state of California. The study was funded by the California Endowment, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization. Nearly 60% of 1,005 registered voters consider childhood obesity to be a “very serious” statewide problem; furthermore, 61% feel that unhealthy food and beverages should be banned from schools. Los Angeles parents could learn something from a city on the opposite coat: Portland, Maine. In 2004, a group of Portland healthcare experts and business launched their “Let’s Go!” program, which incorporates the 5-2-1-0 principles: at least 5 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables, no more than two hours of TV (including games) per day, at least 1 hour of exercise per day, and 0 sugary drinks. To date, the community has invested about $3.7 million in the endeavor. The program is catching on. An independent telephone survey of 800 parents who were familiar with the program, 28% of children had adopted 5-2-1-0 behaviors compared to 22% in 2007.
“Lets Go!” has expanded to approximately 345 schools; it also has been adopted by after-school programs, child-care centers, and medical practices throughout the state of Maine. Maine Health, a nonprofit medical group, which was involved in the formation of the program, has invested $500,000 and committed an additional $500,000 over the next five years. Beyond Portland, other organizations are joining the fight against childhood obesity. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation funds evaluation efforts, with the goal of reversing the childhood obesity epidemic by 2015. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently awarded 39 US communities a total of $257 million to make environmental and policy changes to address the problem.
The Reboot Your Life with Dole program, which has a foundation of fresh fruits and vegetables, has a few kid-friendly suggestions:
- Be patient and offer a choice at each meal. Try placing a few options on their plate (i.e., a couple of carrot, celery, and cucumber sticks).
- Add dips like hummus or guacamole and dressings for extra flavor.
- Try cooked and raw versions of veggies to see which they prefer––texture can be a big thing.
- Kids may prefer foods be separate on the plate (no more fruit salad).
- Have your kids help pick out produce at the store or even better a You-Pick farm or farmer’s market—this can help them feel more involved and it’s fun.
- Make blended soups. The texture is great and they get all the flavor without negotiating the individual ingredients.
Credit : Dr. Esha Kaul (Hematologist, Oncologist and Bone Marrow Transplant Specialist 12 Years Experience)
