February health tip from Heartand Rehab
Know the dangers of childhood obesity
T
he epidemic of childhood obesity has been making headlines for many years now, and with good reason. According to research published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, one out of every five children in America is obese. That statistic is worrisome enough, but the trend appears to be heading in the wrong direction. The American waistline continues to expand, starting with our kids, and this growing problem is affecting children in both mind and body.
What are the health risks? What are the potential health ramifications of childhood obesity? From a psychological standpoint, obese kids are more prone to low self-esteem, poor body image, and eating disorders. They’re also at greater risk of depression and substance abuse. With respect to physical health consequences, obese kids are at increased risk for developing a wide range of ailments, such as type 2 diabetes (once known as “adult-onset diabetes”),
high blood pressure, high cholesterol, liver and gall bladder disease, early puberty, and sleep apnea. Of course, overweight children typically grow up to be overweight adults, subject to even more health complications.
How do I know whether my child is obese? A child is considered obese if he or she has a BMI, or Body Mass Index (an indication of body fat based on a person’s weight and height), that is equal to or greater than the 95th percentile for their age and gender. BMI is calculated by taking someone’s weight in pounds and dividing it by their height in inches. Then, divide that number by their height again and multiply the result by 703. So, the calculation for someone who is six feet tall and weighs 168 pounds would be (168 ÷ 72 ÷ 72) x 703 = 22.7. What does the result of the calculation tell us? Below 18.5 is considered underweight, 18.5 to 24.9 is normal, 25 to 29.9 is overweight, and 30 and above is obese. Thus, the individual
in our example would be considered normal with respect to body weight. People with a higher BMI are at increased risk for high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, gall bladder disease, and colon and breast cancer. At the other end of the spectrum, people with a belowaverage BMI are at greater risk for osteoporosis, falls and fractures, lower immune function, respiratory disease, digestive disease, and cancer. It’s important to note that BMI should be used only as a general guide in determining whether someone is carrying too much body fat. Because muscle is heavier than fat, people with greater muscle mass may have a BMI that suggests they need to lose weight when, in fact, they have a very healthy percentage of body fat.
What can I do to prevent obesity in my child? Kids tend to do as their parents do, not as they say, so the best thing you can do to prevent your child from becoming obese is to model healthy eating and exercise habits. In other words, lead by the example you and the rest of the family set. Just as poor lifestyle habits established in child-
hood lead to health problems later in life, good eating and exercise habits formed early in life lead to a much healthier adulthood. But don’t try to change your child overnight. Incorporate healthy changes gradually and give them time to solidify into habits that your child will, hopefully, continue for life. Heartland Rehabilitation Services can also help. In addition to providing outpatient physical and occupational therapy, Heartland offers wellness opportunities such as gym memberships, pilates, personal training, and fitness bootcamps. ❦ Heartland Rehabilitation Services has five locations in the Toledo and Bedford, Michigan areas with knowledgeable staff to assist with your physical and occupational therapy needs. Each location also offers a monthly membership for a small fee, with no contract, and the expertise of licensed clinicians to help you with your exercise routine. If you have any questions about Heartland Rehabilitation Services or how physical and occupational therapy can benefit you, please feel free to contact Jim Berger at 419-787-6741 or visit us at www. heartlandrehab.com.
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