Preventing Childhood Obesity

December 20, 2009 by Taylor Christopher
Filed under Lose Weight

Definition of Childhood Obesity

When a child is in a weight class above the normal for height and age, he or she is considered obese. It is a serious medical condition that affects about 15 percent of children. Nearly 25 million children and teens in the United States are obese or overweight. During the past four decades, obesity rates have soared among all age groups, increasing more than four times among children ages 6 to 11.

Numerous environmental factors have contributed to the increase in childhood obesity, including urban sprawl, availability of junk food, growing portion sizes, lack of safe play areas, and the increasing popularity of television, video games, and computer use.

Overweight children are twice as likely to be obese when they grow up than children who are not overweight. This means that in adulthood, they will be at an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis and certain cancers. Depression, along with other psychological disorders occurs with increased frequency in obese children.

Obesity in children must be addressed and studies show that tackling this problem early on can prevent the serious problems associated with it. Overweight children need the support of their families and communities. Health newsletters, walking contests, marathons, healthy food option, community-based programs on health and weight loss can all contribute to a healthier lifestyle for kids.

Lots of Physical Activity

Children with lack of parental limitations on television watching and their parents own television viewing habits, were five to ten times more likely to be overweight. Parents who rely heavily on television viewing as a recreational activity should spend more time doing recreational activities at home or at the park. Because kids by nature are physically active, they find ways to get great exercise even on their own. However, parents should take the time to allow children to spend 8 hours a day running around outside.

One study showed only about a quarter of kids has physical education class at school. You can increase a childs physical activity by encouraging him to walk or ride his bike to school accompanied by an adult. Demonstrate the importance of physical activity by walking or biking with him.

Healthier Eating Habits

Americans eat more snacks, eat on the run, and eat larger portions. The first step in prevention and-or treatment is to help children change their eating behaviors and live healthier lifestyles.

Research suggests that a child with obese parents is ten-times more likely to be obese. This raises the obvious scenario of an obese child environment where there is likely to be ready access to large quantities of energy-dense foods, provided by his or her parents, who also consume such. Parents should take the lead in introducing a healthy diet. It is essential that the whole family should change their eating and living habits. It is not possible that the child alone takes a different type of food while others consume the food forbidden to him.

Even if a parent is faced with a child with a weight problem, a child should never be placed on an extremely restrictive diet or prevent them from eating when hungry. A child needs nutrients and calories to help them develop and grow. Consult a pediatrician if you find that you cannot help your child lose weight with a nutritious eating plan and physical activity.

Emotions also play a major role in childhood obesity, as emotional eating sabotages many weight loss efforts. Children may also have a hard time giving up their junk food snacks. Obese children need not eat less, but learn to eat differently. Help them eat the right foods, in the right combination, at the right times, healthy eating is balanced eating, including varied and nutritionally dense food choices.

Prevention can be looked at as a cure, if it is implemented and if there is effective communication. Environmental and social factors, genetics, illnesses, and medications do not necessarily cause a child to be overweight. Rather, they are risk factors, because they do not guarantee that a child will be obese. The most important thing is to focus on changing things we can control, such as behavior (the old exercise and diet advice).

Rochester Athletic Club, Rochester Health Club and Rochester Personal Training dedicate their services to fitness and health.

Finding the Right Personal Trainer

December 13, 2009 by Taylor Christopher
Filed under Fitness

1 Comment

Hiring a personal trainer can be a step in the right direction whatever your goal may be. A qualified trainer should help you devise a curriculum that fits your objectives. He should educate you on the best exercise for you goals. Here are some tips on what to look for in a trainer.

What is a personal trainer? He is someone who is employed to help another with his or her fitness, especially by means of a personalized diet program and exercise regime. A trainer should be able to:

* Evaluate your level of fitness

* Help you structure fitness goals

* Instruct you on exercise processes and methodology

* Keep an account of all your meetings

* Motivate you to stick to your goals and exercise regularly

* Ensure that all health and safety guidelines are followed

* Correct your form for effective and safe alignment

Your trainer should be certified. And the certification should come from a legitimate organization. The American Council on Exercise, National Academy of Sports Medicine, and American College of Sports Medicine, are just a few of the well recognized personal training certification organizations. Visit the web site of the group that your trainer claims to be a member of, and confirm his certification.

Be sure that your trainer keeps his certification current, attends seminars, classes, or successfully completes continuing education courses. He should also be CPR certified.

Make sure that your trainer has several years of experience, especially in relation to your goals. For example, if you want to lose weight, you want someone with experience helping others lose weight. Football coaches are also trainers. If your goal were to lose weight, would you ask a football coach to train you? Of course not!

A good trainer should listen closely to what you say and make sure he understands your goals. He should be focused only on you during your sessions. A good trainer should assess your progress regularly and modify things if needed.

Finally, make sure that you get along with your trainer because you will work very closely with him. Feel comfortable asking questions.

Check out these places to find a trainer:

* Many health clubs have trainers on staff. They may also offer affordable packages for personal training.

* Look in the Yellow Pages

* Use a Personal Trainer Finder

* Explore personal training studios in your area.

At some fitness centers, a trainer may be assigned to you. Be sure to tell the gym supervisor of anything specific you would need to work on (example, getting ready for a triathlon). This way, you will get a trainer with mastery in that area. Go to the gym to observe and rate the abilities of your trainer. Talk to his clients. See if they have had success in reaching their goals. Observe him relate mutually with his clients and vice-versa.

Beware if your trainer does any of the following:

* Soreness is normal. However, you should not be in pain after your session because he trained you so hard.

* Prescribes or recommends suspicious herbs or supplements.

* Inattentive to you or trashes your questions

* Prescribes a level of training that is too difficult for you

* Will not return your e-mails or phone calls

* Gives a prognosis of ailments or injuries

* Disrupts your session to talk with acquaintances or receives phone calls (unless it is an emergency).

You can help your trainer do a better job by being a good client.

* Avoid the small talk until after your session.

* Be ready for you session by carrying your own water bottle and towel. Write down your questions beforehand and bring it with you to your meeting.

* If you have to reschedule or cancel your appointment, give a minimum 24-hour notice.

* Immediately address any concerns

* Before approaching him, wait until he is finished with another client

* Take into account that your trainer is there to show you the way to reach your goals, to motivate and assist you. YOU still have to show up and do the work!

Rochester Health and Fitness Center, Certified Personal Trainers of Rochester and Rochester Group Exercise Programs provide members quality service in fitness.

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