by Kathryn Scoblick

kscoblick@sbcglobal.net

"A little less ‘I’m Lovin’ it’ could put a significant dent in the problem of childhood obesity, suggests a new study that attempts to measure the effect of TV fast-food ads." This is from an article in The Houston Chronicle dated a year ago on 11-21-08. It is titled "Study: Ban on Fast-Food Ads Would Reduce Obesity in Kids". They suggest that such a ban on these types of commercial would reduce the number of obese young children by 18% and the number of older obese kids by 14%.

The study provides evidence of that link. If you have been around children you know that they ask for what they see on television…and here comes Christmas! They will want more than we can keep up with. The same is true with foods. The Centers for Disease Control reports that about 1/3 of American children are overweight or obese. This is a huge health problem that is greatly preventable.

Another study shows that moms spend more at the grocery store when their children are with them at the grocery store. I can hear it now, "Mom, can we get this?" It is ok to say no.

In an age where children are taught to the test, you can teach them to think for themselves. Ask them about those commercials they are watching. "Do you think that is true?" Teach them about marketing and use the words that work for you and your family. I tell my kids straight out that "marketing is what companies use to sell us things we don’t need", and "they care about their bottom line and I care about you", and "do you think that is a healthy choice?" My kids are experts, but that doesn’t stop them from being kids…they love having treats. It is a parent’s duty to teach self control and discipline. Balance and moderation are important. That includes media time too.

A factor that also influences overweight is the number of fast-food restaurants in a concentrated area. The causes of childhood obesity are a mixed bag, but we certainly know it is due to overeating and not enough physical activity. God calls us to have discipline and tells us that our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. He gave it to us! The whole Body-Mind-Spirit is a great truth. We are so connected with our thoughts. If our thoughts are good, we feel good, we share that joy and everybody around us is lifted up. When we are active our endorphins kick in and make us feel elated. There is no greater example than leading by one. The fact that we are housing our soul within this physical body that God gave us may motivate many of us to teach our children healthy habits by having healthy habits.

Changing habits takes discipline and a concentrated effort. To reduce media time, you will need to replace it with something else your children enjoy. This could be a board game or some time with you to play whatever they want to play. Give your child 20-30 minutes of uninterrupted time and make it special by not answering your phone. Tell your child it is special time. It works. You could also work in a healthy habit by going for a walk or shooting some hoop. If your child is overweight, never put a child on a diet. Start adding more fruits and veggies to his or her diet and allow for some favorites to. The goal is to start creating a lifetime of healthy habits. Increase physical activity using fun activities and you are creating health habits without rocking the boat. Anything is possible if you want it to be.

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

--- Mark 11:24

Copyright by Kathryn Scoblick