Michelle Obama’s Obesity Initiative
I had an exciting opportunity to participate in a teleconference with the president of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. The topic was to discuss pledges that are part of the First Lady’s ”Let’s Move” campaign to fight childhood obesity.
Secretary Sebelius discussed the importance of the American Academy of Pediatrics partnership with the initiative, however, also stressed that this is a societal wide problem. The childhood obesity epidemic needs the involvement at all levels from parents, schools, physicians, communities, the CDC, Department of Agriculture, Department of Education and the Food and Drug Administration. Efforts have already been put in place such as the CDC implementing a surveillance system for monitoring childhood/adolescent obesity, exercise and nutritional habits. The Food and Drug Administration is working on front package labeling for healthier choices. More funds will be allocated for research. The media will be used to reach out to the sports and entertainment world to assist in educating children and families on healthy lifestyle habits. Physicians will continue their current practice of monitoring BMI at each well visit. A prescription will also be given to parents on healthy eating and active play.
These are just a few of the plans that are in place for the “Let’s Move” initiative. As you can see it will truly take a community wide effort to wrap our arms around such an overwhelming issue and health hazard for our children. The First Lady’s goal is to overcome obesity in this generation of children. YoMedics is prepared to do that. We have programs in place that can be implemented in the home, physician’s office, schools, with community leaders and other venues. Visit our website at www.yomedics.com to learn how YoMedics can assist your child or your organization to improve the health of children and fight childhood obesity. Our programs are fun, exciting, interactive and involve active play and exercise while educating healthy lifestyle behaviors.
The Journey is the Gift…..
Over the past several days, a recurring theme has woven it’s way into our lives. Life is truly a journey and that includes pain and joy, grief and celebration, cloudy days and sunny ones.
This is certainly true of life itself. Take the opportunity to share with your children the lessons and emotions surrounding life events. This weekend marks a year since we learned of my mother’s terminal illness, she died a month later. It is also my birthday. So this weekend has been a combination of the pain of losing Gran and honoring the celebration of life.
Children are so intuitive and connected to us emotionally. When the opportunity presents itself in your life, be sure to discuss the ebb and flow of pain and joy in life. Discuss your feelings honestly and encourage your children to express theirs. It is profoundly important to be able to accept and move through painful experiences in a healthy way. These experiences are a natural part of life. This is an important way in which children develop empathy, compassion and coping skills.
Yesterday, in a conversation with the president of a mobile wellness network/company located in western Pennsylvania, she so simply clarified a fundamental truth about life. The cloudy days make the sunny ones even brighter. Share this truth with your kids and remember to be grateful for every day. The journey is the gift….
