Friday, October 21, 2011

Five Steps Schools Must Take to Fight Childhood Obesity


Kids play Eat Like a Pro at all Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers
New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles Youth Camps.

In order to beat childhood obesity, we have to stop beating ourselves.

Schools are the second greatest weapon in the battle against childhood obesity.  Yet some school practices are major contributors to the problem itself.

Here are 5 steps schools should take to help.


1.   Stop Treat Rewards
Some schools actually provide incentive through sweets, treats and extra sodas.  There is a better way and this simply has to stop.  

2.  Become Neutral on Fast Food Restaurants
Fast food restaurants are part of our culture and should not be attacked.  However, schools are sometimes “bought” by fast food corporations.  Sponsorship dollars or free food offers transform health educators into hypocrites.  They need to take the high road here.

3.  Remove all candy, soda and bad snack food vending machines.
We are survivors.  The kids will find new, healthy alternatives to sustain themselves.

4.  Teach Nutrition and the Effects of Different Food Choices
We talk about it, but many schools do not literally teach healthy eating habits.  Kids must be able to distinguish the difference between the carbohydrates in a spaghetti dish and a piece of cake.   They must also have an approximate understanding of how many calories they should consume in a day.

5.  Make Them Run
At least once a week, kids should simply just get up and run one mile.  They will be more relaxed, learn to control their breathing, set new goals and burn significant calories.  

For Football Skills, Life Skills and Fun!

Tom Finks
Pro Sports Experience for Kids
www.ProSportsExperience.com






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