The childhood obesity epidemic

Did you know that September is Childhood Obesity month?

I have to be completely honest, the climbing numbers of our youth that are obese TERRIFIES me. It really does. The future of our children's health is very grim according to the latest news reports. Did you know that childhood obesity has more than tripled over the last 30 years?

If this trend continues, today's youth will be battling a host of preventable diseases, and have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, as well as type 2 diabetes.

Overweight and obesity are associated with increased risk for many types of cancer, including cancer of the breast, colon, endometrium, esophagus, kidney, pancreas, gall bladder, thyroid, ovary, cervix, and prostate, as well as multiple myeloma and Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

This is not a matter to be taken lightly; we as parents, grandparents, teachers, doctors, and role models need to take action now. I'm not talking about lip service either -- we must emulate positive role models for our kids by our own lifestyle choices. Set a positive example for the youth in your life, and it's likely they will take notice and follow your lead. Incorporate healthy eating into family meals, and make exercise a priority.

It's a matter of life or death for our future generations. What can you do to make a difference today?