Childhood Obesity

       Childhood Obesity scares the crap out of me.  With a toddler and another on the way I worry about their health.  Am I feeding them the right foods?  Will they be healthy enough?  How do I find the right balance between healthy eating and the occasional treat?  According to a recent article from USA Today, BY 2030 13 states will have obesity rates over 60%.  All states, with exception to the District of Columbia, will have obesity rates over 44%.  This is downright scary.  
        Why are we, as a country, ok with being obese?  Why do we spend millions of dollars on medications for issues that would disappear with a healthier lifestyle?   There are 10 year old children with type 2 diabetes.  There are other young  children who are on blood pressure medication.   Parents often find this sad, but don't know what to do.   We are setting our children up for failure.  Losing weight isn't easy for anyone.  But to have weight issues all your life is something I can't even imagine.   Our schools provide lunches that are not acceptable.  French fries and ketchup are considered a vegetable!   According to Kidshealth.org Children watch t.v. up to 4 hours a day plus an additional 2 hours computer time!  Our lifestyle is becoming more sedentary.   Our kids are in trouble.
         Do you know what I find really sad?  Some parents don't think there is a problem.  Or worse, they don't care.  Truth is, there is a problem.  So what's a parent to do?  LEAD BY EXAMPLE! Your children are going to eat what you eat.   They are going to do what you do.  You can't shove broccoli in front of their face while you eat french fries. It might be uncomfortable at first, it might be hard but it needs to be done.  As a mother, I want to be able to run in the yard with my kids, go bike riding, teach them healthy eating, SHOW them how to be healthy.   Not only will you be helping your kids, but you will be helping yourself as well!   I remember going on bike rides with my mom as a child.  I want my children to have that same experience!  If you have any tips on ways parents can incorporate a healthy lifestyle, PLEASE post them below!  I would love to hear them!
        Also - if you are looking for on line support, a friend and I have started a page on facebook.  It's a closed group for moms and dads to support and encourage each other.  No gimmicks, no sales, just SUPPORT!   Stop by and check us out Healthy Parents Raising Healthy Kids - we are on the move to end child hood obesity!