Overweight Children and Blood Pressure

"A study done by researchers has shown a correlation between overweight and obese children and the development of high blood pressure. Over 1100 children averaging 10 years of age were followed for 5 years. Researches assessed their body mass index and blood pressure at least 8 times during the course of the study.

Researchers found that when BMI exceeded the 85th percentile (obesity is the 95th percentile) the risk of high blood pressure tripled... yes, tripled! And remember, these are children. So what does this mean?

It gives us another reason to get children moving, exercising and eating healthy. Reducing BMI reduces blood pressure as well as helps reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, thus leading to healthier adults. This in turn will also help lower health care costs later in life, too. What could be worse than seeing a teenager having a stroke during PE because of high blood pressure?!"

Eckert, George J, M.S.; DiMeglio,Linda A., M.D.; Zhangsheng Yu, Ph.D.; Jeesun Jung, Ph.D.; and J. Howard Pratt, M.D., "Intensified Effect of Adiposity on Blood Pressure in Overweight and Obese Children" Indiana University School of Medicine. Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Association, November 2011.

**************************************************************************** 

When you know better, you do better. Teach your children the importance of eating well and living an active lifestyle while they are young. The good habits they form today will reward them with good health tomorrow. For great tips on how to prevent childhood obesity, pick up a copy of Fit Girls Like You and Fit Boys Like You for your children TODAY! Also available on Amazon.com, Kindle, and NOOK for Barnes & Noble!

Watch the trailer!

Be good to yourself! More next time... 

Fit Girls Like You and Fit Boys Like You Release Date 11/1/2011

The official release date for Fit Girls Like You and Fit Boys Like You is Tuesday, November 1, 2011! Both books will be available in my CreateSpace eStore as well as on Amazon.com, Amazon Kindle, and Barnes & Noble NOOK! Watch the preview trailer NOW!

Read to Combat Childhood Obesity

It is no secret that Americans are fatter than they have ever been. Sadly, the number of children who are obese continues to rise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted some alarming statistics regarding childhood obesity on its website:

• Childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years.
• The percentage of children aged 6–11 years in the United States who were obese increased from 7% in 1980 to nearly 20% in 2008. Similarly, the percentage of adolescents aged 12–19 years who were obese increased from 5% to 18% over the same period.
• In 2008, more than one third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese.^1,2
• Overweight is defined as having excess body weight for a particular height from fat, muscle, bone, water, or a combination of these factors.³ Obesity is defined as having excess body fat.⁴
• Overweight and obesity are the result of “caloric imbalance”—too few calories expended for the amount of calories consumed—and are affected by various genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors.^5,6

http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/facts.htm

 

To prevent childhood obesity, it is critical that parents teach and model healthy lifestyles early. I have written and illustrated two children's books that families can use to reinforce good nutrition, proper rest, and active lifestyles. In the next 5-7 days, I will be releasing Fit Girls Like You and Fit Boys Like You. I have created previews on my publishing site so that you may have a sneak peek! I would love to hear your feedback! Thank you for your continued support!

 

Fit Girls Like You https://www.createspace.com/Preview/1088836

 

Fit Boys Like You https://www.createspace.com/Preview/1088837

 

 

Be good to yourself! More next time...