Kids & Obesity

THE WASHINGTON TIMES

Harvard Medical School is asking doctors to recommend that youngsters eat old-fashioned family dinners at home to prevent obesity and curb risky habits. “Doctors should encourage teens to limit their intake of food prepared away from home and eat family dinners together,” said Dr. Elsie Taveras, a pediatrician and childhood obesity specialist who led the research. Home is simply healthier, she said. The prime benefit is “improved diet quality.”

“At-home dinners have also been found to reduce high-risk adolescent behavior such as tobacco, alcohol and marijuana use,” said Dr. Taveras, categorizing the family dinner as “protective.” Other research supports such findings. A Columbia University study of teen lifestyles last year, for example, found that among teenagers who almost never broke bread with their families, 72 percent were more likely to use illegal drugs, smoke and drink alcohol. The Harvard researchers tracked the food choices, weight, physical activities and social habits of 14,355 children, ages 9 to 14, from all 50 states.

Fast food was a major factor in their lives; up to four times a week. The number of heavy feeders—those putting away up to seven servings of fried food outside home per week—has more than doubled among teens in the past three years.

Dr. Taveras suggests that a nutritional reality check for both children and parents is in order, deeming it a “public-health strategy.” Co-author Dr. Matthew Gillman agrees.

“In today’s fast-food environment, it’s a challenge for teenagers and their families to eat what’s nutritious and healthful,” he said. But it’s doable, particularly as McDonalds, Burger King and other restaurant chains tweak their menus to include lighter fare. Ignore fried stuff and go for “modest portions of grilled chicken or fish, a salad, some fruit,” Dr. Gillman said. Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is advocating another old-fashioned idea for children to counter obesity and prevent heart disease, diabetes and other ills—walking to school. In 1969, half the nation’s youth walked or biked to school, compared with 15 percent today, according to a CDC report released last week.

And no wonder: The report found that 61 percent of America’s parents said distance was the worst barrier to walking to school; among other obstacles, 30 percent cited traffic, 19 percent weather, 12 percent crime and six percent “school policy.”

The transportation bill that Congress passed earlier this year, however, has a surprise tucked away for parents and children alike. The bill set aside $612 million for a “Safe Routes to School” initiative— adding sidewalks, boosting traffic enforcement and starting a program that buses children to one mile from school. Accompanied by two adults, the children walk the rest of the way. It is, the initiative explained, “a walking school bus.”

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• Tip of the Month

  July 2009

  Cindy C

  Most of my success stories come from first hand knowledge of the work put in.  This is not to say that I do the work; I consider myself a glorified cheerleader for my clients’ successes.  What makes Cindy’s story unique to me is that she was already a walking success story when I met her.  I have simply helped her maintain a fascinating and optimistic outlook that centers around her health and her family, an outlook that she already possessed.
  First, a brief background of what has helped mold Cindy’s story.  She was diagnosed with uterine cancer at age 41, had surgery and chemo to help combat the cancer.  While waiting for radiation therapy to start, Cindy had a genetic test, which tested positive for Lynch Syndrome, a gene mutation that increased risk of uterine and colon cancer significantly (60% and 82% lifetime risk.)  The genetic test not only helps out other family members, but allowed doctors to better treat Cindy’s illness.  Cindy routinely praises this course of action as one of the most important things she has done.  Knowing your family history can prevent or at the very least help doctors better treat your illness.  While prepping for radiation, a CT scan found an additional colon tumor, which began a second round of chemo as well as additional surgery.
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• Recipe of the Month

  July 2009

  Roast Beef Wraps with Horseradish-Mustard

  

  This recipe serves:  4   
  Preparation time :   15 minutes

  For the horseradish-mustard sauce:

  1/4 cup freshly grated horseradish
  1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  1/2 cup non-fat sour cream
  1/2 teaspoon sugar
  salt to taste

  For the wraps:

  4 large flour tortillas
  3/4 pound sliced, lean roast beef tenderloin, from the deli
  4 lettuce leaves, green leaf, bibb or romaine, shredded
  4 large slices of ripe tomato, sliced very thin
  Cooking Instructions
  For the horseradish-mustard sauce:
  1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the horseradish, mustard, sour cream, sugar and salt.

  For the wraps:
  2. Lay the tortillas out and spread 1 tablespoon of the sour cream mixture on each of them. Divide the roast beef among the tortillas and spread the remaining sour cream mixture on top of the beef. Divide the shredded lettuce among the tortillas and top with a tomato slice. Tightly roll each tortilla into a cylinder, ending with the seam side down.
  (The wraps can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.)

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