Childhood obesity has become an epidemic in our society. We now know it is a dangerous prelude to a multitude of health conditions, many that traditionally occurred only in adulthood. Unfortunately, we are seeing these diseases emerge earlier and earlier in our children's lives. We may be the first generation to actually see our children have shorter life expectancies than our own generation. In addition, our children may suffer more chronic illness than we, as their parents, will experience.

We all know that obesity can cause health conditions such as diabetes; cardio vascular disease; cholesterol; high blood pressure; and sleep apnea in adults. These same diseases are now emerging in children as young as 7 or 8 years of age and sometimes, even younger. Children who are obese have a much greater chance of being obese adults and may develop these same diseases in later life as well.

So Who's to Blame?

Remember healthy lunch boxes? They usually consisted of a healthy sandwich, milk, and a piece of fruit. Today, fewer parents put together a healthy lunch and more often than not, many parents simply leave money on the counter for their children to buy whatever, wherever they wish for lunch.

Yes, a major factor in childhood obesity is the fast food restaurant. With one or both adults in the home working, children are eating at fast food chains more and more often. This is especially true of middle school and high school age children with working parents. These children sometimes eat at these fast food chains for breakfast as well as lunch most days of the week.

More and more, time-stressed moms are taking even their pre-school children to McDonald's or Burger King for lunch usually because it's convenient. When they are out shopping and lunchtime suddenly arrives, it's all too easy to grab some fast food to alleviate the hunger. Without even realizing it, they are contributing to their child's weight gain, but not necessarily in the healthiest fashion. This isn't an indictment on modern mothers; it is a real reflection of the world we live in. Due to incredibly busy and rushed lives, whatever is easiest, convenient, and fast has become the rule rather than the exception.

What Can We Do?

We, as parents, must set a powerful role model. If we order pizza and Chinese food or bring home prepared meals from fast food restaurants, we are sending a clear message that these foods are appropriate as meals and not just as treats once in a while. And by preparing healthy home-cooked meals, we teach our children the value of fresh, whole foods and help them view fast food as an occasional treat.

There is a void in our society for kid-friendly restaurants where you can grab a quick bite to eat that's a healthy meal. Some fast food restaurants are gradually beginning to add options for fresh fruit and veggies as opposed to French fries and cookies. Seek them out and support them by taking advantage of the option to eat a healthier version of fast food. Let them know you aren't going to be purchasing their food until they provide healthy versions. The fast food industry wants our money. Make them earn it by talking with your pocketbook.

Dr. Pamela Avery, the Natural MD, is a board-certified physician and specialist of over 30 years in the management of pain through natural methods. She offers free articles, weekly newsletters and online pain management lifestyle coaching. She has developed a lifestyle system for chronic pain entitled "Live Pain Free! 6 Steps to a Pain Free Life." It can be accessed at http://www.drpamavery.com Her free special report, "The Truth about Supplements", as well as her E-zine, "Natural Solutions", can be accessed at http://www.the-natural-md.com

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