new study reveals that while obesity rates in men have plateaued, rates have continued to rise among women. The study, published in the journal JAMA, reveals, “that for the years 2013-2014, the obesity prevalence was 35% for men and 40% for women. When looking at trends over time, the researchers found that from the year 2005 to 2014 there were significant and steady increases in the number of American women who were very obese.” I understand that maintaining weight management is difficult and not everyone is enthusiastic about athletic training. But, female obesity is on the rise again – which means childhood obesity is quickly becoming the number one health problem for today’s youth. What can be done? As the founder of Fitness for Health, a therapeutic, exercise facility for children and adults in the Washington, DC, Region, and a certified athletic trainer for almost 30 years, in my opinion, make physical activities and games FUN for the whole family! The key to successful participation is creativity and positive reinforcement as well as scheduling a regular time during the week as “family playtime” so kids will learn to emulate their parents and the whole family can enjoy maintaining weight management TOGETHER! Families need to work – and play – together to enhance physical fitness while building stronger relationships. With an integrated approach, parents, grandparents and children can create fun, recreational games that also increase self-esteem – and help families bond – while improving your bone and joint health, losing weight, getting older family members thinking about fitness for seniors and encouraging younger family members to participate in varied activities to improve kids’ health. Looking for your child to get off the couch and get an early start on next school year? Concerned about weight management? Searching for a physical activity where your child will want to keep coming back? Fitness for Health’s Healthy Heart class is just the ticket. Your child will have a blast this summer while breaking a sweat with our heart-pumping exergaming program. Using our state-of-the-art equipment, kids will get fit, feel good and get healthy.]]>
Tags: kids health, obesity, childhood obesity, weight management