One of the more disturbing trends in today?s society is that of childhood obesity. It has become an epidemic around the United States in the last two decades. Since the 1970s, there has been an alarming growth in the statistics of children and young adults who are considered to be obese. It is estimated today that nearly fifteen percent of all children living in our society are at least overweight, if not obese. While it is easy to diagnose obesity, it is not a condition that is very easy to treat. If an overweight child is not able to curb her eating habits and adapt to regular cycles of exercise, it is likely that she will grow in to an obese adult. The fact is, thirty percent of obese adults were obese children. Deaths related to obesity causes number in six digit figures annually, and society is forced to spend nearly $100 billion each year in taxes related to obesity problems. What causes obesity in children and young adults? The causes can be linked to a variety of factors, including nutrition, family, genetics, and physical activity. If one has an obese parent, the chances are 50-50 that the child will grow up to be obese. When both parents struggle with this problem, the percentage of risk is even greater ? eighty percent. While genetics to do play a significant role in factoring obesity, it is important to keep in mind that bad eating habits, stress, and lack of exercise can also contribute to overweight and obesity. Read opinions and promote your views at http://www.theworldsbesthomepage.com The World's Best Homepage and read and submit reviews and opinions at http://www.free-content-resource.com Free Opinions and Content

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(ARA) - Obesity is now an epidemic in the United States. Over the last two decades, obesity rates in adults have doubled, and in school-age children and adolescents they have tripled according to the American Dietetic Association. One child in five is now overweight. National Institutes of Health (NIH) research shows that this public health problem affects both children and adolescents and cuts across all age, race and gender groups. Children who are obese are at risk for a wide range of health problems. Diseases that used to only occur in adults are now appearing in children. Obese children and adolescents have shown an alarming increase in the incidence of type 2 diabetes and many have high cholesterol and blood pressure levels, which put them at greater risk for heart disease. One of the most severe problems for obese children is sleep apnea, which can lead to problems with learning and memory. Overweight children also have a high incidence of orthopedic problems, liver disease and asthma. Although there are many factors that contribute to obesity, the main culprits are the same as those for adult obesity: lack of exercise and the foods we eat. As the most influential role models for their children, parents play an important role in preventing childhood obesity. Teaching healthy lifestyle habits involving physical activity and nutrition are the best ways to stop children and adolescents from becoming overweight. Eating the right foods should be a priority. "Kids need food for growth and development, and if kids are eating healthy, they will have more energy, and will be more inclined to get outside and play," says Tony Plotkin of Grainaissance, a natural foods company. A particular challenge for parents is finding snacks that their kids will enjoy in place of all of those high-fat cookies and chips. "Parents are looking for healthful snacks for their kids, a tough search given the sugar, fat, and calories so many snacks pack in. A snack that solves that problem is welcome indeed," says Neal Barnard, M.D., president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine Here are some suggestions for parents from the NIH and Grainaissance on how to help your children maintain a healthy diet: * Eat meals together as a family and not in front of the television. Encourage your kids to eat slowly and savor the food. * Keep healthy snacks on hand such as fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen fruit juice bars and low-fat cookies such as graham crackers. Something many parents may not be familiar with is a nutritious bake and serve rice puff called Mochi (moh-chee). Made from organic, whole grain brown rice without any animal-derived ingredients, additives, preservatives or colorings, Mochi is also cholesterol-free, wheat-free and gluten-free."There are growing numbers of children who have gluten or dairy intolerances," says Elaine Monarch, executive director of The Celiac Disease Foundation. "Mochi is a healthy snack that kids really like and even those on restrictive diets can eat it." Mochi is low in sodium, fat and calories. It's also fun to make. "Kids will enjoy watching these snacks puff up in the toaster oven," says Monarch. Mochi is available in a variety of flavors including Raisin-Cinnamon, Pizza and Chocolate Brownie. * Don't use food as a reward or punishment. Children should not be placed on restrictive diets, unless done so by a doctor. * Involve your children in meal planning and grocery shopping. This helps them learn how to make good choices. * Focus on small, gradual changes in eating. This helps create habits that will last a lifetime. Grainaissance Mochi can be found in the dairy or freezer case at natural food stores. For more information and snack ideas, visit www.grainaissance.com or call (800) GRAIN-97. Courtesy of ARA Content About the author: Courtesy of ARA Content Students Most Important Sense: Sight ARA(ARA) - Petting the classroom rabbit, tasting an afternoon snack, listening to a story, smelling a budding flower, and seeing words on the chalkboard -- children use all five senses to learn in the classroom. But if the words on the chalkboard are blurry and hard to read, much of a students efforts will be spent making sense of a blurry world -- not on the lesson or task at hand. Studies indicate vision is the key element (almost 80 percent) of the learning process during a childs first 12 years. For children who have undetected vision problems, the joy and discovery of classroom learning can quickly become a burden and something to avoid. The American Optometric Association and the Vision Council of America encourage parents to avoid possible future problems in the classroom by taking their children to the eye doctor before school starts. An examination assesses whether the eyes see clearly. Vision screenings play a helpful role, notes Dr. Victor J. Connors, president of the AOA, but they should not take the place of a comprehensive eye exam from an eye doctor. In an examination, the eye doctor measures the eyes ability to work together, to focus properly, and to move together in activities such as across a page of print or following a ball -- all necessary functions for healthy and productive learning in the classroom. Undetected vision problems are easily overlooked by parents, teachers, and children themselves. Children assume that what they see is what everyone sees even if its blurry. If your child exhibits any of the following behaviors, consider making an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam: * Loses place while reading * Avoids close work * Holds reading material closer than normal, brings it closer while reading, or shifts it often * Tends to rub eyes * Has headaches * Turns or tilts head to use one eye only * Makes frequent reversals when reading or writing * Uses fingers to maintain place when reading * Omits or confuses small words when reading * Consistently performs below potential Ensure that your children can make the most of their five senses in the classroom. Make an appointment for a Back-in-School eye examination now. Please visit the American Optometric Association Web site at www.aoa.org, or the Vision Council of America Web site at www.checkyearly.com for more information. Courtesy of ARA Content About the author: Courtesy of ARA Content Hormone Replacement Therapy ARA(ARA) Given all the bad news about Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), now theres some good news on how menopausal and post-menopausal women can live productive, healthy lives. Millions of women took HRT to preserve bone health and brain health and to help reduce hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. Unfortunately, recent studies show that women taking a popular prescription hormone combination doubled their risk of Alzheimers disease and other forms of dementia. Another new finding suggests that these hormones may make tumors harder to detect, possibly leading to dangerous delays in the diagnosis of breast cancer. Natural Alternatives to HRT Are Here If you are taking HRT or stopped when you learned about the new risks, there is some good news: safe alternatives to HRT already exist. A new study of 2889 people ages 65 to 102 suggests that Vitamin E may protect against a decline in brain function. And, the National Library of Medicine has done studies that show phytoestrogens from plants which have some estrogen-like effects without the side effects can actually improve bone density. Other studies show that bone loss can be slowed and some bone actually regrown with supplemental intakes of calcium and Vitamin D. Other studies also show that Vitamin C and magnesium can increase bone density. When Dr. Andrew Weil appeared on The Larry King Live show last year, he recommended substituting herbal supplements for HRT. Studies in the National Library of Medicine show that the extract from an herb -- black cohosh -- is scientifically-proven to significantly reduce hot flashes. SuperNutrition, a San Francisco Bay Area vitamin company, recently introduced the first womens multi-vitamin, multi-mineral and herb combination containing full potencies of all the natural alternatives to HRT, called The Menopause Multiple Blend. SuperNutrition created Menopause Multiple Blend with the latest science in mind. Improving the Quality of Your Life, Naturally SuperNutritions Menopause Multiple Blend is a high-potency, comprehensive multi-vitamin containing the potencies of Vitamin E and Vitamin C shown to protect against the decline in brain function and support heart health. It also contains the right doses of calcium, Vitamin D, magnesium and Vitamin C in amounts that studies have shown to improve bone health. Helping reduce hot flashes, SuperNutritions formula also contains black cohosh and a phytoestrogen-rich herbal formula, including alfalfa, red clover, dong quai and damiana. There are also herbs to support healthy blood flow and to assist the vitamins and minerals in reducing bone loss. For heart health it also contains the right amount of folic acid and its supporting vitamins, B-12 and B-6, and all the other essential vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. Will It Work For You? Menopause Multiple Blend contains vitamins, minerals and herbs that are safe, natural and effective. Try and see. SuperNutritions Menopause Multiple Blend is available at natural foods stores. For more information about The Menopause Multiple Blend and safe alternatives to HRT, or for store locations in your area, call (800) 262-2116, or visit www.supernutritionusa.com. Courtesy of ARA Content About the author: Courtesy of ARA Content New CD-ROM Game Helps Educate Kids about Asthma ARA(ARA) - Major celebrities lend their voices to an educational CD-ROM game for children with asthma. Quest for the Code, developed by the STARBRIGHT Foundation, combines a celebrity cast, 3D animation, and real-world scenarios to help teach children how to manage their asthma. The game features Cuba Gooding, Jr. as a live-action character named Cyrus (TM) who provides children with information and positive reinforcement to help defeat a team of animated asthma triggers voiced by celebrities Glenn Close, Minnie Driver, Funkmaster Flex, Whoopi Goldberg, Jeff Goldblum, Kelsey Grammer, Shaquille O'Neal, Gwyneth Paltrow and General H. Norman Schwarzkopf. Diane Sawyer appears as a news anchorwoman. Quest for the Code is available free of charge in both English and Spanish to children with asthma, ages 7 to 15, and their families, and can be ordered by visiting www.starbright.org or calling (800) 315-2580. The game helps tackle the serious and widespread public health issue of asthma in children. An estimated 9.1 million children in the United States have been diagnosed with asthma in their lifetime -- it is the most common chronic illness among children. Asthma is the leading cause of school absenteeism due to chronic illness and accounts for 14 million missed school days annually, and it is the number-one cause of hospitalization among children under the age of 15. "Asthma can be a frustrating, even frightening, disease for children and their families," said Dr. Gary Rachelefsky, a nationally renowned asthma expert and a medical advisor to the asthma CD-ROM game. Quest for the Codes medical information reflects the most up-to-date and progressive approaches to treating pediatric asthma -- and it delivers these messages to kids through an engaging game format. Recent research revealed that both children and their parents markedly increased their knowledge of asthma, understanding of asthma triggers, and willingness to manage their disease after playing the game. Specifically, the research found that of the 146 children with asthma and their parents who played Quest for the Code: * 87 percent of children said they will make changes in how they manage their asthma. * 93 percent of children reported that they would be more likely to take their asthma medicine the way their doctor prescribed. * 86 percent of parents found Quest for the Code extremely or very useful in the daily management of their childs asthma. Gwyneth Paltrow, who plays the character Perfuma in the game, stated, I think Starbrights Quest for the Code is a wonderful way to give children with asthma a chance to learn how to control it. When they play, they have the opportunity to learn without feeling like theyre being lectured or forced to learn something. Ask a kid, but I think playing still wins out over sitting through a lecture, hands down. With Quest for the Code, we entertain children as we educate them, and break down the walls of resistance and open them up to the power they can have over their illness and over their lives, said General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, Starbrights Capital Campaign Chairman, who plays the role of General Robo-Roach. The production and distribution of Quest for the Code was funded by an independent educational grant from GlaxoSmithKline. The television shopping network HSN donated a web-ordering and delivery service for children with asthma, their families and health care professionals. Courtesy of ARA Content About the author: Courtesy of ARA Content Enjoying Your Favorite Foods without the Heartburn is Now Possible ARA(ARA) - If you have ever avoided some of your favorite foods in order to reduce the pain of heartburn, youre not alone. More than 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month. And an estimated 50 million Americans suffer from frequent heartburn -- heartburn occurring two or more days per week. Wal-Mart pharmacies provide the following answers to these frequently asked heartburn questions: What is heartburn? Heartburn is a burning discomfort usually felt in the chest just behind the breastbone. Other symptoms can include a feeling that food or liquid is coming back into the mouth or throat, or an acid or bitter taste at the back of the throat. What foods trigger heartburn? Eating foods such as citrus fruits, chocolate, peppermint, spearmint, tomatoes or tomato-based products, raw onions, garlic, black pepper, vinegar and fatty or spicy foods can set off heartburn. How can I treat occasional heartburn? You can reduce your risk of getting heartburn by avoiding the trigger foods and behaviors that affect you most. The next line of defense is medications. A wide variety of medicines are available without prescription. Check with your pharmacist to see whats right for you. Heartburn occurs when acid-containing stomach contents back up and out of the stomach into the esophagus causing a burning sensation in the chest or throat. The pain and discomfort of heartburn is very real, limiting daily activities and productivity for many. Although heartburn usually can be controlled with over-the-counter medicine, half of heartburn sufferers mistakenly believe it is impossible to live heartburn-free. Now, frequent heartburn sufferers will have another treatment option following the Food and Drug Administrations recent approval of Prilosec OTC. Nicknamed the purple pill, Prilosec has been prescribed by doctors for years to treat acid-related conditions in millions of people safely and effectively and will soon be available over-the-counter without a doctors prescription. It is part of a family of medicines known as acid (or proton) pump inhibitors which stops acid production at its source. With this heartburn treatment option hitting the market, heartburn sufferers may have some confusion over which treatment is right for them. Consumers with questions about heartburn and treatment options can seek answers at their local Wal-Mart pharmacy. Selecting the right heartburn medicine can be hard, but your pharmacist can help, said Lori Mendoza, registered pharmacist at Wal-Mart. We can advise you how to best use an over-the-counter product to treat your symptoms, when to use it, and what other health conditions, drugs, diet, level of physical activity, and lifestyle concerns may affect its use. Several factors need to be considered when choosing an appropriate treatment, including other prescription and non-prescription medicines you are taking, health problems, the frequency and severity of heartburn episodes and other personal triggers. Always read medicine labels thoroughly, follow the directions carefully and consult your pharmacist if you have questions. For more information about treatments for frequent heartburn, ask your Wal-Mart pharmacist or go to www.prilosecotc.com. Courtesy of ARA Content About the author: Courtesy of ARA Content National Effort to Prevent Childhood Obesity is Underway ARA(ARA) Obesity is an epidemic in the United States, especially among young people. Today, according to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in seven children is obese. In addition, there are three times as many overweight adolescents as there were in 1980. Another startling fact reported recently in the Washington Post is that the health care costs for overweight and obese individuals are rivaling the financial toll of smoking. Researchers blame several factors for the trend, the most noteworthy of which is diet. Kids eat a lot of foods that arent good for them because thats whats readily available when theyre hungry, especially at school, says Gary Hirshberg, President and CEO of Stonyfield Farm, the nations leading organic yogurt manufacturer, headquartered in New Hampshire. If they are given the choice, and the foods taste good, we believe they will choose healthy foods. Dorothy Hebert, executive director of Kids First, a group dedicated to safeguarding the nutritional health of Rhode Islands kids, agrees. Its amazing to me that kindergarteners can identify burgers, fries, chips and cookies, but the majority of them dont know what a grapefruit is, says Hebert. When we go into the schools and hand out cut up fruits and vegetables, though, they just gobble them up. That tells me they like healthy foods, they just arent exposed to them. Kids First is working with Stonyfield Farms Menu for Change initiative to get healthy foods into Rhode Islands schools. The multi-phased program provides innovative solutions to parents and school groups who are interested in improving their childrens nutrition in school. One aspect of the program is a healthy vending machine. Stonyfield reached out to other healthy food companies, and together they have created a healthy vending machine for schools, which includes carrots and dip, yogurt, organic milk and cheese, pretzels, and energy bars, instead of the traditional chips, candy and soda. Just this past summer, the largest school board in the country voted in favor of doing away with junk food on its campuses. . The vending machines in New York schools now contain energy bars, water, 100 percent fruit juices and low-fat, low salt chips, instead of candy and soda. Getting healthy foods in vending machines is just part of the Menu for Change initiative. We have a program for every level of involvement, says Hirshberg. We are currently supporting legislative efforts to improve school nutrition, and we have a Parent Action Kit on our website that includes sample letters to legislators and sample bills. In addition, the web-based Parent Action Kit includes 10 Steps to getting healthier food into schools.Hirshberg says parents can do as much or as little as they want to initiate change. The best place to start is on the personal level where they can either inquire about possible changes in their childs school food program or take part in our Organic Lunchbox Challenge and switch what they put in their child's school lunchbox. To pack a healthy lunch for your kids containing at least one organic item, you can include a Stonyfield Farm Yogurt, an organic apple or any number of other delicious and healthy organic foods. At Stonyfield Farm we believe that now is the time to make simple, concrete changes that will go far to reverse the growing numbers of preventable health problems amongst our youth, says Hirshberg. For more information on how to get involved in Stonyfields Menu for Change initiative, log onto their Web site at www.stonyfield.com and on the left hand side, click on the link that says Menu for Change. Courtesy of ARA Content About the author: Courtesy of ARA Content

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