Introduction to Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity is, "a serious medical condition that affects children and adolescents. It occurs when a child is well above the normal weight for his or her age and height"(Mayo Clinic, 2008). It is an epidemic that is growing. This issue has not always been a noted problem in the United States until the late 1900's. According to theNational Institutes of Health, "The number of children who are overweight has doubled in the last two to three decades; currently one child in five is overweight." The increase in percentages over time will become a problem for the future of our children. For the first time in history, American children could have a shorter life span than their parents.

One in three children in the U.S. is considered overweight or obese. Childhood obesity affects all population groups; both male and female. It leads to many health and social consequences that can continue on into later life. Prevention is the key, but unfortunately there isn't a magic formula for each individaul. Unfortuanately, there are many challenges that prevent a solution to childhood obesity. Three areas of intervention include the following:

- Physical Activity
- Healthy Diet
- Behavior Modification

Monday, December 8, 2008

Easy and Healthy Recipe

I found this recipe on Familyfun.go.com - give it a try!

Sneak-it-to-'em Broccoli Soup

Kids love the creamy texture of this light green soup, and it's a great choice if your kids are vegetable haters. Instant mashed potato powder makes it thick (you can substitute leftover mashed potatoes or a baked potato). Other green vegetables, fresh or frozen, may be substituted in equal measure. The soup is especially nice poured over crusty bread. It keeps well overnight and can be frozen.

1 cup water mixed with 1 cup homemade or canned chicken stock
1 onion, sliced thin
1 10-ounce package frozen broccoli, or 2 1/2 cups fresh broccoli, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups milk
4 tablespoons instant mashed potato powder
3 tablespoons butter
1 pinch ground nutmeg
Heat the stock mixture over medium heat, add the onion, broccoli, and salt, and cook about ten minutes or until tender. Puree half the vegetables with half of the liquid in a blender or processor until smooth, then repeat with the other half (be sure to vent the steam, since processing hot ingredients can cause small explosions). Heat the milk in a large saucepan until bubbles form on the edges. Stir in the remaining ingredients and carefully simmer for three minutes. Stir in the pureed broccoli and onion, taste for seasoning, and ladle into individual bowls.

Serves six.

1 comment:

Katy said...

I personally love broccoli soup! It is hard to get kids to eat vegetables, so this is a great way to "sneak it in."