Texas had its first annual OBESITY AWARENESS WEEK in September. Susan Combs, the Texas Comptroller, was awarded the Leadership Award in Obesity Prevention. Previous to her role as Comptroller, she was the Texas Agricultural
Commissioner and made noted changes in schools that rocked the school system. As she worked hard to pass legislation in 2003, she gained approval in July 2003 to take vending machines out of schools, wrote the policy in one week, and schools had less than one month before school started to get soda vending machines out of their buildings.
She was instrumental in writing policies for phasing out and minimizing Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value (FMNV). This model has served as a national model for other states to follow. Because of her dedication and policies, she has received awards and recognition from groups such as the American Medical Association, the Texas Pediatric Society, The Texas division of the American Cancer Society and more.
Imagine the controversy when legislation was being pursued. School principals and administrators dependent on those school dollars from agreements with Coca-Cola Co. and other vendors were fighting new policies. The soda companies were fighting as well. There were heated discussions in board rooms and in political arenas. Then there were those administrators, superintendents and principals who saw the big picture. Our children’s health is at stake. We are sending the wrong message by providing them with "snacks" and sugary drinks as part of their day creating an unhealthy life habit.
Live life with a due sense of responsibility, not as those who do not know the meaning of life but as those who do. --- Ephesians 5:15
Susan Combs released a special report detailing the cost of obesity to Texas employers. It shows that if the current prevalence of obesity trends continue in our state, the cost to Texas businesses will be $15.8 billion annually by 2025. What does this mean to you as a parent and your child? We are looking at the risk of diabetes of 1 in 3 children. Imagine an overweight teenager and a 78 year old man waiting at the doctor’s office for medications. Then imagine the other disease risks that are related to overweight as this teenager ages; cardiovascular disease and now more proof for malignant disease, not to mention quality of life. Lost work due to illness and poor quality of life. This is not only a TEXAS epidemic.
Schools are trying to make healthy changes from restricting FMNV and Senate Bills requiring more physical activity are in full swing. This is all good, but it is proven by research that if what children learn in school is reinforced at home, your child will follow it. It is like any reinforcement or repetition. Two adults telling a child something is true are more powerful than one adult saying it. There is always room for improvement. Our children depend on us to set boundaries and foods fall into this criteria of things that require boundaries. Saying "yes you may" have carrots as a snack before dinner if you are hungry and "no you may not" have ice cream before lunch are boundaries. What are you going to do today as the parent for your child that will start a healthy habit?
We are not meant to remain as children --- Ephesians 4:14
Some children would enjoy a family walk or even a jump rope contest. Replace the school snack of chips with a piece of fruit or nuts and healthy lowfat granola or grab a cheese stick. Let your child make his own trail mix. Have him choose two proteins (nuts or seeds), one or two dried fruits, pretzels or crackers and maybe a little chocolate (if he must). Creating healthy habits at home is the most powerful message you can send your child for his health. The snacks I just mentioned require little time and are better choices than grabbing prepackaged snacks. He will have to learn to make healthy choices when you are not around. Wouldn’t you rather your child decide on the salad and grilled chicken than the fried chicken tenders and fries when you are not there to lead him?
Parents are the leaders and joined with schools and in communities we can make a difference in our children’s health. Prevention is in. Call your children’s food and nutrition services director to find out ways you can help in your child’s school and visit www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org for healthy snack ideas.
You are joined together with peace through the Spirit, so make every effort to continue this way. ---- Ephesians 4:3
