The Obesity Wave

Is your child at risk? Childhood obesity in Australia is gaining some scary statistics these days in the great Land of Oz. Did you know the average child in the 1970’s was lighter, faster and probably stronger? Why?  It is simple! - They played outside more often, running about doing what kids do best, Playing and - Their snacks would have been much healthier than the processed snacks we give our kids today. However, it’s not all doom and gloom – latest research tells us obese children who manage to get to a healthy weight before they reach adulthood have the same risk for heart disease and other obesity-related diseases as kids who were never overweight, new research shows. The research says:  "As far as we know this is the first time it has been shown that obesity as early as the age of 3 may not have long-term health consequences in children who are able to lose the weight before adulthood," study researcher Markus Juonala, MD, PhD, of the Turku University Hospital in Finland, tells WebMD” It is well recognised that the major reason why kids become overweight and obese is lifestyle. Genetics do play a part, however, lack of physical activity, junk food, and the dreaded television and computers games are the main culprit’s of our kids being overweight. As the old saying goes, “We are what we eat”. How many hours a day do your kids watch television and play computer games? It is not too late. Get your family involved in some kid’s activities today. It is summer time in Australia; we have so many amazing venues for kids activities many of them are free. Get involved in some great outdoor activities for kids and have some family fun. Even better Swimming is a fantastic sport for both you and your kids join a swimming club or take some swimming lessons  these are all great ways for the whole family to get active and healthy. Have a great day and remember to Have Fun Kids!