Health Fest promotes kids' weight control

Overweight is excess body weight for a particular height, and childhood obesity is an emerging epidemic of the millennium.

While there are traditional weight loss and fitness programs, social, economical, cultural and diversity differences minimizes the impact of these programs. Programs must be developed that focus on the consumer.

Food is in the center of social interactions, from power lunches to church socials. When a baby cries parents tend to stick something in their mouths to calm them and they bribe older children with treats to correct their behavior, according to internet sources.

With the technologies of television, computers and video games, outside playtime has decreased in the past decades. In the past all meals were prepared within the home, but that changed with the advancement of the microwave.

The microwave made more food choices available that children could prepare for themselves. Then, take out food was founded and became a main food source for homes, therefore causing high calorie intake of children.

Physical activity in 70 percent of females and 50 percent of males has begun to decrease by the time children are in the ninth grade. Parents often do not recognize their childrens' weight gain and tend to overlook the issue.

"Obesity is becoming a prevalent disease of children in the U.S. today," states research.

The Kids Health Fest will be Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Jean C. Few Primary School in Jasper.

For more information contact Shelby Woods at DETCOG at 384-5704, ext. 254, Lyn Few at 384-5523 or Fleta Youngblood at 384- 6829.