Breast-feeding, controlling pregnancy weight among panel's guidelines
Article Source: msnbc.com
from:msnbc.comFirst lady offers 70 goals to tackle child obesity
Seeded on Tue May 11, 2010 11:38 AM EDT (msnbc.com)
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Hey Michell, since you are so interested in our children's health, and before we endorse anything you have to say...how are you doing with Barry's smoking problem??
It's not exactly her problem to fix. He's an adult, he can do what he wants. Not to mention she isn't speaking out about getting your significant other to quit smoking. She seems to be doing just fine with the children...but no, let's just focus on something not related to obese children.
You make it sound like it's bad that she's interested in creating awareness about childhood obesity. I don't understand what's so bad about spreading information on how to prevent your children from becoming overweight/obese.
I agree with Tom. What is new here?
I don't mind if the government wants to give us information about food content but let me decide on what I want to eat. If I want to buy McDonald's, I'm buying McDonald's.
Please don't cut restaurant portions...what about taking home what you don't eat?
cschick, Its not just spreading information, they want to be able to tell you what you can eat, the content of what we eat and the portion size of what we are served. You are not seeing the slipery slope.
cschick - You would have had to be comotose for the last 15 years to not know that we have a serious obesity problem in this country - children and adults alike. We don't need more "awareness" - we need legislation to ban high fructose corn syrup, trans fats (yes, it is still around), hormone pumped food, and a whole host of other chemicals and additives that are making us fat and sick.
If you want "awareness", watch the movie "Food, Inc." - you will never think the same about food again.
And if Michelle can't influence her own husband to stop smoking, how can she possibly influence a nation of children to stop eating crappy food?
Right there, that sentence in the first paragraph caused the red flags to soar.
So Government is deciding what we should and should not do now regarding obesity and what to do and not do? OH BOY.
So ... should we assume assume chocolate baby formula is out?
That's the best she can come up with? Is she kidding? None of her suggestions are anything new and have been ongoing for years. And breast feeding babies is the answer...that's just plain dumb.
The real reason people are heavier now is because of high fructose corn syrup, hormone infused food, additives that are a molecule away from being plastic or poisonous, trans fats, and a host of other artificial additives that our food is bombarded with. Why doesn't she introduce legislature to remove this poison from our foods? And that includes artificial sweetners that never helped anyone lose weight.
And when is the last time you heard about a park being built that children can actually play in, or public pools, skating rinks, playgrounds, handball and basketball courts that are clean, safe and free for all kids to play in. How about teaching kids yoga, dance, bike riding, roller skating and aerobics in gym classes instead of such a high concentration on competitive sports that benefit only a few.
And how about some laws that make it illegal for all working people to work beyond 9 to 5 so they can go home and cook their kids a hot, healthy meal and still have time to take their kids to the park or play with them outdoors. Americans are some of the most overworked, stressed out people in the world so it's no wonder fast food reigns. If they had some time and energy left they would be able to devote some time to their kids with outdoor activities that are healthy and fun and would truly keep their weight in check.
Islangirl - This IS the best those in charge of creating her new personality can come up with, yes. She went from lawyer to physician's assistant and dietary consultant in less than two years. She must be so proud. I know she wasn't back in the day, the days before she became first L-L-L-Lady. I think those crafty people designers should learn a thing or two about the Michelle platform they are whittling out of the old Michelle before they have her open her mouth again. What they are saying is not really possible in the twenty years they/she is talking about. There need to be a whole new revamping of food additives as you've stated as well as changes within the FDA. I like your post. Too bad she won't be reading it.
Thank you Sues, you are so correct. It's good to know that other people can see through this idiocy. Michelle should stick to shopping and cocktail parties. She is not qualified to make statements regarding anyone's health.
It is notable to see how much weight Michelle has lost--especially on her caboose--now that she has special chefs to prepare delectable meals of the most expensive and lower calorie types of food that most cannot afford. Fast food is cheap and available and fills the hungry maws of the less privileged. In essence by saying to eat expensive fresh fruits and veggies vs. inexpensive fast food meals, she is saying the equivalent of "let them eat cake."
Oh - and don't forget all the paid gardeners that take care of "her" organic vegetable garden.
I hadn't noticed she'd lost any weight.
Great.... More guilt for Mothers. Like we don't have enough already.
People are so inundated with this information that she is spouting already that they tune it out. It's on the news every day, morning, noon and night. No one cares as we don't have time to cook anymore. Pre-packaged food and drive thrus are all anyone has time for. Maybe she should start there instead of saying the same old drivel that has just become background noise.
There is only one answer for you as a parent: MAKE your children eat less and exercise more, put the fork down and just say NO to McDonalds, Burger King, etc, and only allow them to have snacks once a month or so. We don't need programs either, just be a parent!!!!!!!!!!!!
But but but you cannot be serious. Be a parent? That is shocking, that is absurd, who would have thought of such a thing.
Why be a parent when you can have the Government controlling all that you do?
Shocking I tell you shocking, be a parent, BAH
*smirking and winks*
My dauthter-in-law has had the answer since day one. She takes the kids to the park or out to ride their trikes and then bikes. They have very limited access to screens (TV or games) and they have a mommy that cooks fresh meals for them and specializes in fresh vegetables. Even in their tiny yard in Brooklyn they grew more tomatoes than they could eat and the kids love to gorge on wild berries and other wholesome goodies. Sure they like birthday cakes--what kid doesn't, but they only get them on birthdays. Cookies occasionally, but not so much and she did nurse all three of them. They are all slender, muscular and fit (mentally and physically). Takes a whole lot of work from mommy however and she is fortunate to have a husband that supports the family financially so she can have the time to be an at home mom. NOt all women are so fortunate or, even if they are, are willing to work this hard at it.
Juno- that is great that she has the time to do that! I wish I did. But even as a 40-hour a week mom, chairperson over various committees and teaching my kids how to give back by volunteering at church and with a cancer foundation we still manage to get in some excercise. You have to use your time wisely. But I did not need the first lady (with her staff of nutritionist, dieticians, yoga instructors, chefs, endless supply of the best and healthiest foods...) to tell me how to do it- regardless of who the first lady is at the time. What is the most frustrating is the price difference at the grocery store between healthy food and unhealthy food. If I only planned cheap meals we would mostly be eating crap. If I buy white bread I can almost always get it for .99 cents, but the whole wheat bread is 2.49 or 2.99. But I do like that many fast food places now give fruit options, so if we just have to eat on the run then we at least get some nutrition without spending more money.
that has always been a issue but oh yeah its going to be fixed by Mrs. OBAMA, phuh yeah right! For one not everybody is made the same and just because her and her kids are skinny minnies and as healthy as can be. Really whats going to change.
"For the first time, the nation will have goals, benchmarks and measureable outcomes that will help us tackle the childhood obesity epidemic..."
For the first time? I'm glad Mrs. Obama is on the cutting edge, since no one else in this country has ever done anything about this. Thank you, Mrs. Obama - you are a true pioneer. (please feel the sarcasm, all you uptight folks)
"...to ensure that we are providing each and every child the happy, healthy future they deserve."
Mrs. Obama - you are a true socialist. The idea behind this country is not to provide the citizens with what they need, but provide them the freedoms to pursue those things they need and want." Stop listening to your husband. It's making you fat.
Excellant point Paul!
Very good point!!! Does anyone remember "Healthy People 2010"? http://www.healthypeople.gov/ Doubt it. It is the goals that are set for the population, guess what we didn't even get close to reaching these goals. Also, they are forming "Healthy People 2020" The govt doesn't give proper amount of money to these types of programs, so many people do not know about them. Many companies spend at least double on advertising for their products compared to the budget allowed for entire health related programs. What is the problem now?
Fix student lunches (the government is feeding our children chicken nuggets and pizza every day), but otherwise, please stay out of our lives.
I cant speak for all schools certainly, but at the (public) elementary school where I work kids are fed healthy meals with fresh fruits and vegetables. Wheat bread is used in place of traditional hamburger buns. We also serve grilled chicken sandwiches, vegetable soups, and baked turkey. I attended this very same school 15 years ago, I can honestly say the food is much healthier than the food we were served! However, our food, 15 years ago tasted much better.
The problem therein lies in "Leave No Child Left Behind." Schools are focused on standardized testing (because they will lose funding if their students' scores "fall.") Kids only get 30 minutes of pe a day. Extra time is spent in Language Arts, reading, and math. The teachers hands are tied on this- their job is depends on Lil' Johnny's test scores.
Fortunately, our students and our teachers work very hard so we don't leave any child behind.
Melanie, I get that you don't like the No child thing, but I don't get how that correlates to your point about how your kids school now gets good meals.
Exercise. P.E.
My school only has 30 minutes allotted for pe. "Extra" time is used for language arts, math and reading. My point was making school lunch and breakfasts healthy will not work alone. Kids need more time (during ther school day) for recess and pe. They also need to be encouraged to eat healthy and get physical exercise at home.
I have never seen such a bunch of mean spirited, bitter comments from such a bunch of vicious, vindictive people in my life. "One in three" kids is obese. That is disgusting and alarming. This doesn't bother any of you, however. It's all about the fact that it's the black, communist, socialist,nazi, fascist's wife that is trying to do something about it. Pathetic. And for those of you merely advocating changes to the FDA, how is that NOT government intervention into your lives?
Mean-spirited? Bitter? Vicious? Vindictive? I didn't read any posts that implied those powerfully negative words. Perhaps using a dictionary and thesaurus will help you choose more appropriate words for your next attack.
By the way, the article is about childhood obesity. It is not a platform to bang the drum to defend Michelle Obama.
Openyourmind:
Could care a less about what you or Obama thinks. As was said earlier be A PARENT!!!. Unforutnatley most parents stick their kids in fornt of the TV and feed them fast food.
openyourmind-1388088--
WE HAVE A WINNER.
Damn took a bit of time for someone to break out the race card, but knew it would happen in this seed.
Kshark ..... you get a vote and a big LOL from me! Loved it!
It doesn't take much effort, creativity, or great amounts of time to prepare interesting, wholesome meals for our families, and they are less expensive than buying packaged meals or fast-food junk.
Roasting an oven-stuffer chicken or a small turkey on a weekend provides a couple of family dinners plus healthy sandwich meat for kids to take to school. What about investing in a crockpot? Throw everything in it in the morning, and by dinner, the meal is ready. With any of those suggestions, all a parent has to do is make a starch, vegetables, and a salad. In less than 30 minutes, your meal is ready. It's also a great experience to have the children help with the last-minute prep, including setting the table and with clean-up.
Why was it that most of us, reared by lesser educated parents than children today, who grew up 50-75 years ago, were not overweight or obese as children? Why was there no epidemic of childhood diabetes then? Could the answer just possibly be that we were fed REAL food and not processed garbage? When I was a child, an after-school snack was a piece of fruit or a small plate of vegetables (with no salad dressing for dipping). If my mom gave me a doughnut, I looked at her as if she'd gone crazy!
There were no vending machines in schools, even when I taught in the 1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s.
My children, now in their 20s, thought that saltine crackers or Wheat Thins were cookies, and plain seltzer mixed with orange juice was "orange soda" when they were little. Before anyone calls me draconian, I did give them cookies and soda and took them to McDonald's, but not often. Today, they're on their own and still eat healthfully.
Years ago, children ran around outside, rode bikes, and played games - even in chilly or cold weather. Parents made time to play with them. Today, they sit in front of a screen. Some actually do get some exercise - their texting thumbs.
These "reports" provide nothing that previous generations didn't know. Maybe Michelle Obama's real message should address the obese parents who insist on stuffing their obese children with super-sized garbage and are clueless about how to rear healthy children. Some of us have done, and are still doing, just fine without others telling us what is good/bad, healthful/unhealthful.
My Mother used to pre cook meals over the weekend for the week. That way all you had to do was heat it up.
I did the same for my kids if I was not going to be home for dinner becasue of work. Heck I still do for me now.
If you look at the "real" data in Journals, you will see that obesity is strongest in lower socioeconomic communities. Many of these parents are not able to be home at night with their children due to working multiple jobs to support their families. Also, with the decrease in people's incomes and increases in prices of many daily needed things, make it difficult to feed "healthy foods." I have done very little research in this area, but continue to every year in college. Many people (poiticians, news writers, news reporters, ect.) do not properly interpret the data and therefore report to people what they believe is correct.
fmharris - As a teacher and mother, I've studied real data about child-rearing and nutrition for decades. I can't agree that obesity is strongest only in lower socioeconomic communities. Lately, our obesity epidemic knows no boundaries of race, ethnicity, or income.
School-aged children of low income families receive free or low cost (healthful) breakfasts and lunches at school. Several states have passed laws so that the children receive after-school dinner as well. In some states, the children also receive those meals even on weekends.
Parents and care-givers of these children do not work 24/7. Perhaps if they used their food stamps for lean meats, fruits, and vegetables and prepared inexpensive, healthful meals on their time off that would see them through the week, they could lower their obesity rates.
"Healthy food" doesn't mean gourmet chicken or exotic fruits and vegetables. I just paid $4.99 for a five-pound bag of navel oranges (quantity 10) - that purchase will last one week for my family. Strawberries - three 1-lb. containers for $4.00. This was at a farmer's market, not a supermarket. Less expensive and fresher products. I realize that not everyone can do this.
People need to learn how to shop economically and read labels. Bypass the soda, junk food, and prepared food aisles, because the "food" in those aisles costs the most and contains the highest amounts of processed sugar, sodium, and "bad" oils. It's all about making wise choices: A medium sized bag of Doritos for $3.99, or a 5 lb. bag of oranges for $4.99? A KFC bucket with fries and ketchup or baked chicken, pasta with a little olive oil, and salad?
Parents/caregivers also have to rethink how their children spend their leisure time. Exercising their texting thumbs or playing outside?
I do agree about how politicians and the media skew "facts" - in more ways than just nutrition!
Good luck in college and keep reading and learning!
As a school employee, why is it the government and the school's job to feed kids "after" school? We feed them breakfast, lunch, get them to and from school, provide an education and a safe, loving environment where children can learn life, social and math skills. We dearly love and care about our students. our school provides uniforms, booksacks, school supplies, and additional services to those families that need it (without the bureacracy). But parents have to acceptsome responsibility. We can't go home with each student and bathe them, read them a bedtime story and tuck them in bed.
We can't go home with each student and bathe them, read them a bedtime story and tuck them in bed.
That's probably next, Melanie. I think that some people just like to have babies and then ignore the responsibilities that come with the job of parenting as the babies grow into children and teens. It's easier to blame teachers and schools for their children's problems rather than accept personal responsibility.
Melanie......I fully understand your side of the story. But you get paid to teach them and feed them breakfast, lunch and we provide the buses and the books . We don't link all teachers as bad , most teachers are great as I'm sure you are, but the parents are mostly working people such as nurses, nurses-aides ,waitresses ,banker tellers ,people who clean your floors and toilets when you are in the hospital people who wait on you and your children when not in school . As I was once told when I complained about my job to my boss, quote,"The way I look at it , if you didn't have a job you would have anything to complain about".
I am a working parent, too!! When will I get time to spend with my kids (if I am cooking for your kids on the weekends)? I love my job, I have a great job!!! I'm not complaning about my job, I just can't raise everyone's kid.
It is our job to love, educate, provide whatever supplies and necessities your family needs, two meals a day for your children, (our school provides transportation to and from school- which we should, that is our responsibility), but we have to draw the line here somewhere. We provide tutoring before and after school, along with extracurriculum/aftercare programs. We as teachers are held accountable, why aren't parents?
You have to cook on weekends for school. You tutor before and after school along with after school programs? Melaine,bless your heart, we thank you for your hard work. I agree ,you can only do so much and then let it go ,even parents can do so much. Don't let the government turn us against each other how can we know whats going on if we don't commmunicate. All we know is if a teacher or school offers a program and it sounds good we take it. Once again I want to thank the teacher and all school workers for their hard work and I know they care.
Thank you, psp-620489! You have no idea how comforting your appreciation is. I can't speak for all teachers, but we do love your children and want them to succeed at all levels in life. I do feel we get paid well. For the most part, if you don't count teaching summer school and other trainings, we do get the summer off! I love my job, I can't say that enough, but admittedly, I do get very tired of always hearing on the news, that "the school needs to do more, " because at my school we are doing all we can- and we love it.
Before you start thinking where my students are while I am typing to you guys all morning, today is a "field trip day." Our students are on field trips with their respective clubs or programs. My co-sponsor for our "Garden Club" agreed to go with our club members today, so that I can prepare for The "Golden Globes" (awards night) tonight! Yes, we pay for students who cannot afford to go, too!
Your very welcome, I've got to go to school now and pick-up my child who is sick. Good luck to you and we've all got kids to raise.
And she wasn't a lawyer for very long. She was placed on a COURT ordered inactive status only 4 years after becoming an attorney.
One other reason children are more prone to obesity today is inactivity. Back in the day children played in the school yard, ran around the block with their friends, rode bikes, walked to school. Now, many children live in townhomes and condos because of affordability. Going out to play is not as simple because there's no yard or parents are afraid of letting children outside by themselves for fear of kidnapping. The schools also do not have children playing in the school yard as they did when I was a kid. And we had fast food in the 60's and 70's too!
Ah but our Government and of course Mrs, Obama won't point to the fingers at the litigators or the techo/electronic geniuses that keep pumping out more techojunk for kids to be slaves to. Of course not that would be too easy.
That's because putting playground equipment on the playground these days sadly sets a school up for lawsuits. Those lawsuits, take away from the budget that is used to educate all children.
Someone said that Malia Obama looks like a starving Haitian child. Is Malia anorexic? Is Malia allowed to eat enough food? Perhaps Michelle should focus on nurturing her own family.
Rita,
I am not an Obama fan, but do you seriously have to make a comment about her daughter? I know you must have a much more valid point to make, so let's not get it mixed in with running down her child. Although I think that Ms. Obama is a little off by assuming that she is suddenly going to "cure the obesity crisis", I think she does actually have good intentions. I would love to see what intelligent addition you have for the discussion without getting distracted by cheap shots.
Hey Rita: Excellent comment! In case you wonder about why her kid is "so thin" just check out the butt on Big Mama... it's obvious she scoops up everyone's food.
You can bet your life that after we throw the Obamas OUT... Big Mama's butt will look a lot like Big Mama in the movie.
Why isn't anyone talking about making the schools teach physical education again starting in elementary school? My son's elementary school (in California) didn't have a PE program until the parents provided one. We paid the teacher. We bought all the supplies and equipment. The school provided the playground (big whoop).
Everything is complicated with liberals. If you are fat, how about just quit eating 5000 calories a day? If you are broke, how about just stop spending?
Ben - excellent post. If more Americans had that outlook, our country would be financially solvent and we'd be approaching better health.
she's a porker herself so why is she commenting on something over which she herself has no self-discipline. liberal-do as i say.
First of all tackling the childhood obesity epidemic is a multi-level problem. From the research that I have done shows that changing what children eat at school is not going to help what they eat outside of school. It is difficult to pay for fresh fruits and veggies when you barely have the money to pay rent. Next, feeding the children what you what them to eat will not help them, they must be taught how to eat healthy. Finally, it is not proper to call children OBESE. They are to be referred to as at-risk for overweight or overweight. Calling children OBESE can lead to body image disturbances and eating disorders, and angry parents. Research is hard to do among this group due to the sensitivity that must be used .
Re post #18: spoken like a true PC correct college person. What's your major, fm .... politics?
If/when you ever have children or work as a teacher, you'll drop the PC gibberish and implement skills that enhance a child's developmental growth. If you don't, he/she will make mincemeat out of you. Guaranteed.
My major is Human Nutrition and Kinesiology, Public Health is my minor. I am part of the population that helps in the research of childhood obesity. Finally, when working with children you must watch how you implement weight loss in children, so their development is no hindered. Weight loss is not what is wanted in children who are over weight, but rather maintain the weight they are at.
I can give a short-list and save printer ink and paper, for all agencies that will have to print this report:
1. Educate by classes in nuitrition, ie home economics being mandated in high school.
2. Education in schools be cut down by the arts as being an "after-school" choice. Time in school be mandated for life-skills that will round out the student physically and emotionally. With feeling good about one's self, all goals can be a possibility.
3. All high-school students be mandated into a work-program for credits towards graduation. With a cut-back in the hours for selectives, students could learn a work ethic with the help of employers working with the schools for safe jobs for students. A child that has no job skills and strengths as to responsbility in today's economy, tends to take further education as a "right" and not as a choice.
Too many students go off to college and have no idea who is paying the bills while they "play". Government loans don't take on as much meaning, when the "kids" have no idea what it "costs" to earn a living.
All students upon graduation from high school should be required to work for one year, before entrance to a college. At least by that time, they have a perception of responsibility to themselves and all involved.
If, you want to "clean" up obesity...you have to give people a "reason" to want to live...w/o income to pay the bills....food becomes a hunger "filler"...........take away a 98 cents hamburger and insist that someone buy a meat and salad platter with fruit for $6.98...you had better figure out where that six dollars is coming from????
A single-parent ends up with the responsibility of raising children when "dad/mom" walks...the court system does not mandate that all parties have to have a plan in place...for supporting those children....in all areas. In cases of abuse..the rules are different...save the family FIRST and then get the abuser to be responsible.
Children raised in a suddenly-single parent situation, don't always go to bed with a full stomach....nor, do they get to live with a mommy who can afford to buy a 2 million-dollar mansion in New Orleans.
So, if Mrs. Obama would take off her rose-colored glasses...she might notice that being poor makes choices VERY difficult.....when the ex sends $60 for child support for three children...and has a girlfriend that will buy his toys for him (boat...jeep...RV....) and put it all in her name................the responsible parent takes that money...adds it to the budget....and can buy potato chips...but, not necessarily the "beef" hotdogs...............don't judge until your feet have hit the cold floor and the oil can is empty.
This report "completely ONE SIMPLE FACT": THE TRUTH!
#1 Reason ANYONE is overweight is?
THE TRUTH IS: Lardazz people EAT like barnyard animals and their children grow up with the same attitude toward eating. Eat a lot; Eat as often as possible... and be a full grown barnyard PIGS.
Eating and looking like barnyard PIGS wouldn't necessarily be so bad, other than their REVOLTING, DISGUSTING and SICKENING physical appearance, if it were not for the series of illnesses that shorten their lives.
Yes, there MAY be some "contributing factors" such as STUPIDITY and BLIND IGNORANCE.
In EXTREMLY RARE CASES (less than ONE percent) where a "physical abnormality or glandular condition comes in to the picture... but again... EXTREMELY RARE.
The only "physical abnormality or glandular problem these gluttonous barnyard pigs have is the large opening under their nose, normally referred to as "their mouth."
The sooner these people accept the TRUTH, the sooner they can begin to take steps toward their weight.
Step #1. PUSH. Push what? Push your fat butt away from the table.
Step #2. GO OUT. Go where? Go anywhere you can AWAY from Supermarkets, Restaurants or access to any food.
All of "these government reports" serve no real benefit than to help useless people like Michelle feel "useful" or at least "pretend to be useful!" The reports are loaded with EXCUSES to blame everybody everywhere; attack them all... but whatever you do, don't just tell the truth; don't hurt their "self-image."
What self-image? When people and their kids resemble the Klumps, it is called MORBIDLY OBESE and it isn't the fault of the schools, the supermarkets, McDonalds or Pediatricians!!!!
It is THE fault of the INDIVIDUAL!!!
The sooner that message is emphasized, the sooner people will learn a new concept called "Personal Responsibility" and that "CHANGE is not up to Barry the Marxist... CHANGE begins within us!"
I love several parts of the Gestapo-like report:
"The report calls on restaurants to consider portion sizes and post more calorie information?
One more step from this MARXIST REGIME to INTERFERE in the private sector! Here's an idea for the MARXIST and his big butt spouse, "stay away from the private lives of individuals... paleeeze!" Michelle needs to work on her own bigbutt and let others take care of their own.
What they are inferring is that "one day, Chef's and Restaurant owners will need to have their ENTIRE MENUS approved by some government handjob?" FOOD Police? Restauant cops?
That is EXACTLY what that line will mean.
Check out a few other "recommendations" from these government parasites:
* updated federal nutritional standards for meals served at school?
Translation #1: Until now the Department of Education and the entire teaching profession has FAILED to do this.
* similar to "more school-based nutrition education" (see Translation #1.)
incentives to attract supermarkets to underserved areas?
Translation: Supermarkets and many other businesses have a tendency to AVOID CRIME INFESTED AREAS such as "Roseland" in Chicago... that's the one that Barry organized in to one of the premier crime infested areas of the USA. A place people don't want to 'drive through in the daytime' let alone OPEN any business there unless your in to prostitution, gambling or illegal drugs?
* an effort to get pediatricians to make a habit of calculating their patients' body mass index, a height-weight comparison used to measure fat.
Translation: Another completely ignorant and idiotic statement or suggestion, since Pediatricians ALL make a habit of calculating body mass index. Of course, if your kids butt is as big as your car, and just as big as yours, most Pediatricians would ask themselves, "why bother?"
It is a proven fact that "unemployed people gain more weight than employed people?"
Maybe doing that "I'm going to focus on jobs like a laser-beam" statement from Mr. Marxist could have helped? You know... JOBS?
Oops, I guess Barry forgot about that one? Unless you're s census worker.
Speedy - you have hit the nail straight on the head with this post!
You only need to go to your local supper market or Wal Mart and watch the barnyard animals in the checkout lines. Pig parents = piglet kids. Just look in their carts and all you see is junk food. If you have the money to buy crap, you have the money to eat right! Plain and simple!
But now the problem is that most people do not want to hear what you have said. Because it is not easy! They really have to take responsibility for their own actions. It is much easier to be taken care of rather than to take care of their selves! Government to the rescue!!
The sheep mentality is going to be the downfall of this country. It may already be too late! The sheep are breeding faster than rats.
Speedy: Although I may disagree with much of your political philosophy, you are spot on about personal responsibility. The one and only reason people are fat is because they eat too much. And when they do eat too much, they are eating WAY too much of the wrong foods. Our total sugar and carbohydrate consumption has more than tripled over the last 50 years. Sugar is ultimately what makes you fat. Sugar that is not burned off in fueling the bodies needs is combined with insulin and stored as adipose (fat). All carbohydrates, whether they be simple or complex, are converted by the body into glucose. The equation is elementary - cut out the sugar and carbohydrate intake and the body will start to burn off the fat. You can eat a higher fat diet and still lose weight. Instead of having french fries, order the broccoli or any type of steamed vegetable. Sandwiches are convenient, but throw away the bread.
One of the other big culprits is soda. A can of Dr. Pepper has 40 grams of carbohydrates. Since 4 grams of carbohydrates is the same as 1 teaspoon of sugar, a Dr. Pepper has the equivalent of 10 teaspoons of sugar in it. If you are trying to lose weight, you should not consume more than 20 net grams of carbohydrates per day. One Dr. Pepper constitutes the total carbohydrate consumption necessary for 2 days. Just as bad is Gatorade. READ THE LABEL! Why can't you just drink water? Why does fluid consumption have to have a flavor? You are better of not drinking anything than drinking something other than water.
While we are counting calories people - have you looked at your "healthy" cereal boxes lately? Keep in mind that all cereal nutrition panel information is based on 3/4 cup servings. I'm not sure I have ever sat down to eat 3/4 cup of cereal - usually around 2-3 cups is more like it. The average carbohydrate content for a serving of cereal is around 20 - 25 grams. Multiply this by 3 for the true serving size and we are giving our kids around 60 grams of carbohydrates per day just at breakfast. And we wonder why our kids are fat. Have you ever packed a bag of chips with your kids lunch? Do you realize that you are poisoning them and contributing directly to their obesity?
If you are a fatass, it is because you have chosen to be one. I agree with Speedy on this one - put down the spoon and step away from the table. The government can keep its nose out of my business and the FDA food pyramid is a complete joke. Only YOU can be responsible for your own obesity. So get off your fat butt and do something about it so that my health insurance premiums can come down to where they belong.
Bob
Davie, FL
Well obesity is a big problem in this country and she has decided to make it her platform. Good for her. The message is a good one but ultimately, the bottom line, in addition to better nutrition which starts at home, we need to move. Diet is not the only culprit. Lack of exercise, too much time sitting in class, in front of tv, computers, movies and texting. Kids should be walking, running, jumping, swimming, playing ball. Not sitting in their rooms texting. I also wonder if all those growth hormones in meat and milk, isn't causing our kids to become heavier. It's true, if you are on a budget , the filling foods -i.e. pasta, bread, frozen pizza etc are what you buy rather than your kid going hungry. Where is the extra money for salmon and fresh spinach going to come from???
ledgeroo --- I fully support your comments about lack of exercise and play. Those activities are sorely lacking in our society in general, but especially with children. Not only will these children develop diabetes and heart disease, but their overused thumbs and underused hips, knees, and ankles will need the attention of an orthopedist before they are 40.
It's amazing to me that parents are willing to buy highly expensive processed foods and junk food when lean meats, fruits, and vegetables are so much cheaper and very easy to prepare. It's also amazing to me that these parents don't notice that their children are overweight, but continue to super-size their children's meals.
I've never read anyone advocating that "healthful" foods are salmon and fresh spinach. Most kids wouldn't like those anyway. They do, however like baked chicken, and that's a lot less expensive.
Mrs. Obama's message is, of course, a good one, but I don't think she'll be able to go far with it.
I thought military families was to be her platform.
Can't wait for bossy Michelle and her power-crazed husband to go back to their Chicago home and mind their own business. We don't need continual lectures from these two condescending marxists.
Michelle, eat what you want in YOUR OWN kitchen; feed your kids what you want; if your husband wants to smoke, fine by me -not my business. But MY business is MY business. Stay out of it!
smrtcookie.........well said, I like to eat out every once in while, don't make our fast food burgers any smaller pretty soon we will only be getting a Little Mac.
"For the first time, the nation will have goals, benchmarks and measureable outcomes that will help us tackle the childhood obesity epidemic one child, one family and one community at a time," Mrs. Obama said.
Thank god Barry was elected...otherwise this uncaring country (that she has never been proud of until her hubby's friends bought the WH for him) would keep turning out fat kids...now, for the first time, we have goals...
One out of three kids are obese, that leaves two thirds not obese. Michelle ,(who likes to sneak out for a good burger) can work on that problem. How about when your obese child wants a Big Mac ,buy it and tell them to jog down the street and give it to a homeless person and jog back ,that way you will be solving two problems at one time.
She makes me want to jog down the street, get a Big Mac, and eat it myself---and I'm a vegetarian! I don't mind advice from a medical professional but I don't want or need advice from a 'government panel' or Michelle Obama. Leave me alone and let me choose what I want to eat and when I want to eat it!