Weight Issues Can Affect Performance in Children!

"Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it." - Proverbs 22:6

A study published in the July issue of the journal Obesity found that overweight kids are at-risk for a host of health complications, including elevated cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure. They may also perform poorly in school.

When grade-point averages were compared among 566 middle school students in a Philadelphia suburb, overweight sutdents came in at about half a grade point lower than normal-weight kids.

The study also found that overweight students had lower reading comprehensive scores on a nationally standardized test, ranking in the 66th percentile while normal-weight kids ranked in the 75th percentile.

Heavier kids were also five times more likely to have six or more detentions than their normal-weight peers, had more school absences and lower physical fitness test scores and were less inclined to participate on athletic teams - 37 percent compared to 75 percent of normal-weight students.

This is one of many studies that show how obesity is affecting today's youth. Something needs to be done about this - and soon. I hope to help make a difference once I earn my youth fitness specialist certification through the International Youth Conditioning Association (IYCA).

I will use the information I've learned with the IYCA to help reverse the effects of obesity and other weight-related diseases with our youth while having fun!

Dear Parents: Your Child is Fat!

"Discipline your children while there is hope. Otherwise you will ruin their lives." - Proverbs 19:18

According to an article posted in Time, School children across England will soon have their Body Mass Index (BMI) tested as part of a new effort to tackle the growing problem of childhood obesity.

Parents will be sent a letter telling them whether their child is underweight, a healthy weight, overweight or very overweight. The letter will also include leaflets giving advice on eating healthily, physical activities their child might do and the risks of being overweight.

So, are parents really failing to notice their little angels piling on the pounds? Yes, says the U.K.'s Department of Health.

"Today, when more children are overweight compared with previous generations, it can be harder for parents to objectively identify if their child is overweight," says a spokeswoman from the Department of Health. "Research shows that most parents of overweight or obese children think that their child is a healthy weight. Some research showed that only 10 percent of parents with overweight or obese children described their child as overweight."

Still, it pays to break the news of a child's problem gently. Following the advice of numerous obesity experts, the Department of Health has decided that the name of the final, portliest category — very overweight — was a more sensible choice than obese.

"Preliminary findings of the survey suggest that many people who would be defined clinically as obese find the use of the term obese highly offensive and would stop listening to further advice."

The softly-softly approach doesn't please everyone. "To shrink from using the word obesity is really ducking an issue," insists Dr Colin Waine, Chairman of the National Obesity Forum. "It does not have to be used in a judgmental or insulting way: if a child is obese, then the parents should know that they are obese. We must make parents know that the lifestyle of the family needs to be modified."

Statistics on childhood obesity in Britain make grim reading. Figures from 2006, the most recent numbers, show that nearly a third of all children aged between two and 15 are overweight or obese, an overall increase of 11 percent from 1995.

The U.K. childhood obesity rate is comparable to that in the U.S., where obesity in children aged between six and 11 has tripled over the past three decades, which may be why a few U.S. states already send reports on heavy kids home to parents. The College of Natural Resources at the University of California, Berkeley, published a paper in November 2006 describing the "risks and benefits of BMI reporting in the school setting," and in May 2007, Wyoming started a program in which students' report cards came complete with their BMI.

Some worry that such information should be given more discreetly: "Our feeling is that the information should be given to parents if there is a serious health concern much like any other health concern a child might have," said Meghan Cavanaugh, a spokeswoman at the Childhood Weight Control Program, the University of Buffalo. "This information should not be included on a report card or such. Medical information should be kept separate."

Based on current growth rates, obesity is predicted to cost the wider community of the U.K. around $100 billion a year by 2050, according to the Department of Health. "The Government must lead on action across society to tackle obesity. Engaging parents in this issue is essential to achieving success in instigating behavioral change."

"This is a really serious problem," says Dr Waine. "We're in danger of producing a generation of children with a shorter life expectancy. We can't just say that's acceptable."

Articles like this are one reason why I'm getting a certification from the International Youth Conditioning Association (IYCA). Our children deserve better. Although I believe that parents should be the ones correcting bad nutritional habits and encouraging their children to get regular exercise, the reality is that many parents are neglecting their own health and don't know how to help their children or serve as good role models.

There are no short-term fixes for childhood obesity. A long-term approach is key to correcting obesity and other issues that children face these days (diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, etc.). With a certification from the IYCA, I will have the tools I need to help make a difference.

Story originally reported in Time.

Stay-Healthy Super Foods!

"You must serve only the Lord your God. If you do, I will bless you with food and water, and I will protect you from illness."

- Exodus 23:25

God is truly amazing. He designed our food in a perfect way. It nourishes our bodies and prevents disease and illness. Eating the foods God created for us means less chance of having to use man-made medications and prescriptions that have a slew of harmful side effects.

The right foods can protect against stress, insomnia, obesity, diabetes and more. Here are a few stay-healthy super foods and how they can help you:

Beat Stress With...
Sunflower Seeds - A good source of folate, which helps your body produce a pleasure-inducing brain chemical called dopamine.

Get Energized With...
Almonds or Almond Butter - They help stabilize energy levels thanks to a mix of protein and healthy fat.

Fight Insomnia With...
Yogurt - Calcium-rich foods boost levels of seratonin, a calming hormone that promotes sleep.

Get Glowing Skin With...
Blackberries and Raspberries - Antioxidant-rich berries prevent early signs of aging by fighting off free radicals.

Up Your Odds of Getting Pregnant With...
Walnuts - Having more mono-unsaturated fats (found in walnuts) in lieu of saturated and trans fats may help boost fertility.

Burn Fat Faster With...
Chile Peppers - They've got capsaicin, a compound that may kick-start your metabolism.

Pump Up Your Immune System With...
Cantaloupe - Just one cup gives you more than 100 percent of your daily recommendation for vitamin C.

Combat A Headache With...
Kale - Magnesium-rich greens like kale may help you have fewer migranes by fighting inflammation.

These are just a few examples of foods created by God that have many health benefits. If you read the bible closely, you can find all the foods God recommends that we eat. It's amazing how science has recently reported many of the health benefits of various foods even though they have been in the bible and recommended for thousands of years.

It's also unfortunate that man has altered many of the foods that God created making them less healthy for us to eat.

Remember these three principles:

1. Eat the foods God created for us
2. Eat foods as close to what God created as possible (stay away from altered and man-made foods)
3. Don't become addicted to any food

I'll talk more about this in a future blog, as I'm currently finishing a wonderful book that explains in detail the foods God created, which ones we should eat and why we should follow the three above-mentioned principles.

Obesity Reigns in the South!

"All people spend their lives scratching for food, but they never seem to have enough." - Ecclesiastes 6:7

According to a new government study, Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee lead the nation in obesity. More than 30 percent of adults in each of the states tipped the scales (no pun intended) enough to ensure the South remains the nation's fattest region.

The findings are similar to results from the same survey the previous three years. Mississippi has had the highest obesity rate every year since 2004. But Alabama, Tennessee, West Virginia and Louisiana have also clustered near the top of the list and the difference is so close between their rates and Mississippi that it may not be statistically significant!

Why is the South so heavy? The main reason is the traditional Southern diet - high in fat and fried food. The South also has a large concentration of rural residents and black women - two groups that tend to have higher obesity rates - according to Dr. William Dietz, who heads the nutrition, physical activity and obesity division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In addition to a poor diet consisting of Southern favorites like fried chicken, chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, white bread, barbecue and other fried and processed foods, there is a lack of physical activity.

Some people in the South who live in rural areas may not have money or access to biking and hiking trails, fitness centers and other fitness-related activities and programs. In addition, many public schools have cut recess and physical education classes from the budget. Overweight children tend to grow up to be overweight adults. If parents are obese, their children are very likely to follow in their footsteps.

Without a drastic change in the Southern diet and increased physical activity levels, obesity will continue to grow in the South and other areas as well.

Colorado, meanwhile, is a state with a reputation for exercise. It has plentiful biking and hiking trails, and an elevation that causes the body to work harder. Colorado is also the least obese state with 19 percent of the population dealing with ever-expanding waistlines.

The top 10 states with the highest levels of adult obesity (according to the CDC's 2007 report) are:

1. Mississippi - 32.0%
2. Alabama - 30.3%
3. Tennessee - 30.1%
4. Louisiana - 29.8%
5. West Virginia - 29.5%
6. Arkansas - 28.7%
7. South Carolina - 28.4%
8. Georgia - 28.2%
9. Oklahoma - 28.1%
10. Texas - 28.1%

At Christian Athlete Fitness Training, we utilize individualized training programs that assist with fat loss and provide overall strength and cardiovascular benefits. In addition, we encourage sound nutritional planning and choices to help meet an individual's goals.

The Upside to Higher Gas Prices!

"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."

-1 Peter 1:6-7

It's hard to believe that there could be a benefit from the higher gas prices, but there is! Gas has now become so costly that people are starting to drive less and walk and bicycle more. This means they are beginning to exercise more, and it's a good thing for our nation's health.

According to a recent report in the ACE Fitness Matters magazine, if the price of gasoline went up an additional $1 a gallon, obesity rates in the United States would decline by 15 percent over five years!

The rising cost of gas (and food) is getting more people to exercise and also eat fewer meals in restuarants. We already know that after years of eating fast food and supersized portions, more than 30 percent of Americans are obese. Cooking and eating at home more often means healthier and less expensive meals.

Now is a good time to find more fuel-efficient modes of transportation, get more exercise by walking, biking or running and prepare healthy and delicious meals at home to save money and lose weight.

Here's a tip: Bringing your lunch to work each day can save up to $140 or more per month! Not only that, but it's a lot healthier than the offerings from fast food joints and other restuarants.

Japan Seeking Trim Waists!

The obesity epidemic is no longer just an issue in the United States. It's becoming a problem in other countries as well. This is the result of people eating more processed foods including items containing white flour and sugar, fried food, fast food, trans fats and high fructose corn syrup in addition to exercising less and not moving as much.

Japan has taken steps to help curb obesity recently. Check out this article for more information - CLICK HERE!

People need more exercise along with the consumption of whole, natural foods such as lean meats, vegetables, fruits, nuts and healthy fats in order to combat the obesity epidemic.

A plan like Warp Speed Fat Loss would also be a good idea for many willing to put in the hard work necessary to lose weight and get in shape.

Obesity Trends

"...Eat only what you need, That you not have it in excess and vomit it." - Proverbs 25:16

In the past 20 years, there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States. This map shows the obesity rates of the 50 states as of 2006.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 40% of the U.S. population is obese and that number is climbing.

Although there is a wealth of information available on how to overcome obesity, it seems as though very little is actually being done to reverse the current trend. People are still eating too much food or eating the wrong foods. Despite the changes in the fast food industry to eliminate trans fats and offer "healthier" versions of their food, many people still eat too much, buy the "Super Size" meal due to its perceived value or don't know how to make the right choices. And for many people, they are confused by the resources available to them and never actually learn how to eat right and exercise properly.

In addition, our society has grown more acceptable of obesity and is moving toward a "politically correct" way of treating people who are "larger" than others. For example, after visiting Universal Studios - Islands of Adventure this past weekend, I was surprised to see that some of the rides have been changed to accommodate obese individuals. As I stood in line to ride the Incredible Hulk Coaster, I noticed a sign that said, "Rows 3 and 6 have been increased to accommodate certain body dimensions."

It doesn't stop there. I saw numerous adults riding around in those motorized scooters. They were clearly obese, and they were everywhere! It seems like more and more adults are relying on these motorized scooters as a form of locomotion rather than walking. In addition, as I spent nearly 12 hours walking, running, playing and riding the rides, I saw very few fit and healthy people! Most were overweight, obese or "skinny fat."

Not all of the rides have been changed to accommodate obese individuals, but some can hold larger people due to their overall design. As we came to the end of our flume ride on Dudley Do-Rights Rip Saw Falls, we were held up for a while because an obese woman ahead of us was unable to get out of the flume log. She was stuck and needed the assistance of her family to help pull her up and out. And as soon as she was done, she hopped on her motorized scooter and sped off to the next ride.

I don't want to judge anyone, but just thinking about how obesity affects the overall health and happiness of an individual along with how they function in daily life is a concern. It amazes me that many people can let themselves get to that point in their life and how difficult it must be to live like that. Not only that, but obesity is costing our nation millions of dollars in healthcare costs. Obesity affects all of us.

I understand that many obese people have dieted before. Many have tried exercise. Some blame it on genetics. Others are naturally "big boned." Some have hormonal issues or other imbalances in the body. But the bottom line is that with proper nutrition and exercise, no one should be obese.

Will everyone look like the models or bodybuilders we see on TV or in print ads? No, of course not! But can everyone be at a healthy weight, be fit and live a life without all the problems associated with obesity? YES!

Is it simple? Yes. Is it easy? No. Does it require hard work? Yes. Will it take time? Yes. For some it could take years. But wouldn't it be worth the hard work and time in order to be healthy, happy and live life the way God meant for all of us? Most definitely.

I hope to be able to use my passion for health and fitness to help those who are overweight or obese. I want to be able to help people who struggle with their weight to finally get to a point where they are healthy, happy and spiritually fit so they can enjoy their time spent in this world and with those whom they love and love them.

We must do something about the obesity epidemic in this country. It has now become a huge issue for children. It has to change. One step at a time.

Did you know?

• 71% of men are overweight.

• 62% of women are overweight.

• 33% are considered obese.

• 18% of our youth are overweight or obese (up 70% since 1988).

• Obesity and related health problems cost $117 billion each year.

• Poor employee nutrition costs $1,474 per year per employee.

• Excess weight lowers gas mileage. Americans spend more than $2.2 billion in gas because of additional weight.