One of the biggest dangers facing our kids today probably doesn’t come to your mind when I say the words “child safety.”
I’m talking about childhood obesity, and we are facing an epidemic. Over 26 percent of Canadian children and youth – 1.6 million – are considered overweight or obese, according to The Childhood Obesity Foundation.
Childhood obesity causes many severe, lifelong health problems. Doctors are seeing adult diseases like type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol in very young kids. Overweight children also face social discrimination and suffer from low self-esteem and depression.
I can’t help but ask: why are we not spending as much time learning how to protect our kids from childhood obesity as we are from predators and strangers? (Don’t misunderstand me: “people” are still the biggest threat to your kids, and you must be vigilant about protecting your kids from them).
But, in the case of childhood obesity, the people who are putting these kids in potentially fatal situations are the parents themselves. And, although you would never wish harm on your child, if you enable their unhealthy eating habits and inactivity – you’re contributing to their pain and suffering as they grow to be overweight and unhealthy adults.
Take the first step online. There are tons of delicious recipes out there, as well as lifestyle websites, books and support groups…All you have to do is Google any combination you can think of! Then, you can make staying healthy a family affair, with meals and activities everyone can enjoy.
Child safety is about much more than predators, abduction and car seats. It is also about living a healthy lifestyle.
Tags: Child Safety, childhood obesity, Health, nutrition
