5 Factors Of The Modern World That Lead To Child Obesity

According to a showing on CBS News in January 2010, 2/3 of Americans are overweight, but even more alarming is the fact that childhood obesity has tripled over the last three decades. So, is child obesity a problem? That question hardly needs asking, but what concerned parents want to know is why--after all, it takes understanding a problem before you can get around to finding a solution. And if you look at the lives of children in the modern era as compared to the kind of childhood most of us lived, it's really not that hard to see.

In order to make your life, and their lives, a little easier, use a little common sense. First off, children tend to take to fruit pretty easily, so even though you still need to work some vegetables in there, leverage their taste buds. Encourage eating fruit to be an everyday, spontaneous habit instead of having them snack on less nutritious junk food.5. Bad ExamplesThere are outdoor kids structures that fit every budget and price range, and most parents consider them an investment in entertainment and the health of their child. Some hardwood kid's structures may cost a couple thousand dollars or less, but there are some that are quite elaborate and feature all kinds of designs and fun ideas.2. Drink WaterThese days, there is a lot more to it than the traditional outdoor swing sets, although swings certainly still have their allure. But now you can get playhouses, tree houses, climbing walls, and basically anything else you've seen in the playground equipment at modern parks and schools.3. Regulated Screen TimeFor the sake of reminding ourselves that things don't need to be so complicated, let's o over some of the basics.Kids spend way too much time indoors these days--don't we all? And there are plenty of reasons that is bad for their health. Lack of activity, fresh air, sun, exercise...it goes on and on. One great way to encourage outdoor play besides just enforcing a "screen time" budget is to make your outdoor area more fun. Purchase some swing sets and other outdoor equipment and put together a child-sized rec area for your kids to play around in.2. Busy ParentsOne major contributor is not so much sedentary living but the fact that the things that keep us sedentary have become so attractive. The special effects of movies and video games have reached a pinnacle of complexity, and even a 35 year old adult could find themselves lost in the world of gaming opportunities, where virtual realities often consume people's lives. Sprinkle a child's imagination into the mix and it's no wonder they can sit for months and months lost in a virtual world.One of the best ways to change your child's habits is simply to step up and take a little bit of control over them, and there are few better ways to do this than by budgeting their "screen time." That means television, video games, and maybe even cell phones if they are on that modern kick already.

Need it any more simple that that? Exercise is as simple as children running around a yard. Good diet is as simple as real foods (not processed) and avoiding overeating. That's it--and that's why even you can give your children the healthy habits they need.

Author: James Druman