never place a child on a diet - kids at risk for diabetes
TRANSCRIPT
Never Place a Child on a Diet
by Julie Stelting RN CDE
You love your child from the firstmoment of their life. You want toprovide the best for them. But doyou really know all their needs?Their physical needs, emotionalneeds, social needs and spiritualneeds? Can you find trustworthyanswers to your questions?
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Preface
Our perceptions color our thinking.
But a new idea can change our lives forever.
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Disclaimer
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This document is for educational and informational purposes only. It is a self-help tool for your own use.
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Never Place a Child on a Diet
Never Place a Child on a Diet
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Never Place a Child on a Diet
Never Place a Child on a Diet
IntroductionAs a school nurse for teens for many years, I witnessed many chronic health issues which I never realizedchildren could have:
High blood pressure
Chronic knee pain and back pain
Polycystic ovary disease in girls
Prediabetes & type 2
Fatty Liver Disease in young children
While working with high school students, I realized manyof them were taking prescriptions for chronic diseasesrelated to weight problems and self esteem issues.
The CDC predicts our children will have a “shorter” livespan than their parents due to obesity.
What does that really mean? The CDC hasn’t really said.
The study of obesity related health problems gives us aclue.
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Children need a Balanced Life
How Balanced is Your Life?
Your life is the only example your children know.
As parents, to be totally healthy, you need to recognize which areas of your life are problem areas.
In young children, a balanced life means getting their physical, emotional, psychosocial and spiritual needsmet. As parents, you are expected to understand all their needs and guide them in become a healthy well-balanced adult.
Parents need to establish healthy daily habits to instill automatic responses in their children.
For example, we teach our children to brush their teeth in the morning. When they go to college, theyremember to brush their teeth every morning.
Healthy habits help us to live a healthy lifestyle.
Based on your current daily habits, what does your children’s future look like?
How would you prefer to change their future?
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Never Place a Child on a Diet
What has changed since you were a kid?
Think back on your childhood. How has life changed?
A computer world?
More video games?
More working mothers?
Fewer home-cooked meals?
Reduced recess times at schools?
Physical Education classes no longer required?
More access to high calorie meals?
Larger serving sizes? Supersize it!
More stress in our children’s days?
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Genetics in Your Family
Diagnoses: Unnoticed Weight Gain
Just like adult weight problems, children’s weight gain can go unnoticed over many years.
Children should never be placed on a diet. There is no quick fix for weight problems.
Genetics can play a part of the problems. If you believe you are doomed by genetics, then you need to useyour genetics to motivate you to provide good guidance for your children.
Genetics is only part of a complicated problem. Your environment and lifestyle determine your future asmuch as your genetics.
If the parents have problems with weight, chances are the children will learn their food preferences andculture from their parents.
Some pediatricians do not want to address these issues. But if your instincts alert you – you better listen.
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Parents can improve the future healthof their children by incorporatingbetter life skills in their daily routines.Imagine placing a 20 pound back-pack on your back every day andcarrying it around all day.
How tired would you get? Would your back hurt? Would your knees hurt? That’s what an overweight life is like,
particularly for children. Everyone forgets what normalenergy levels feels like.
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Availability of Foods
There has never been as much variety of foods year around as we have today.
The wide variety of foods is a blessing and a curse. We need to teach children how to make good choices.They often automatically prefer sweets. We have a responsibility to eat a wide variety of foods.
There are many different types of diets. Children should only be placed on doctor monitored diets.
If your doctor places you on a special diet (like salt restriction) there is a good reason and you should stickto it! Remember, your life is the example they will follow.
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Fast Foods and Snacks
We need to limit fast foods and snacks. Limit sugar-sweetened drinks. Encourage children to drink morewater.
Limit high fat foods like French fries, chips, and hot dogs. High fat foods have excess calories.
Notice I’m not saying eliminate! Let’s be realistic. You don’t need a foot-long hot dog, but you do need toeat a wider variety of foods.
There are tricks to encouraging children to eat good foods.
Limit the availability. If they are not in the house, kids will choose better options.
Start in early childhood introducing fresh fruits and vegetables as snacks.
Buy 100 calorie snack packs and limit kids to one pack.
Plan your snacks and prepare ahead of needs.
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Family Meals are so Important
Preparing meals at home will make huge changes in your family.
Children are often in multiple activities and families eat fast foods too often.
At the beginning of the school year, I would have 12-year-olds come to the nurse’s office with complaints ofstomach pains before lunch. They really didn’t know what hunger pains were.
We have an availability of foods that we have not had is previous generations.
When I was hungry, my mother would say to me – don’t eat that because you’ll spoil your supper. Now kidssnack all the time.
Think back on your childhood.
What has changed?
Is your life so busy that you eat out more than you eat at home?
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Breakfast Means Better School Experiences
I know I already told this story - At the beginning of the school year, I would have 12-year-olds come to thenurse’s office with complaints of stomach pains before lunch. They had not eaten breakfast.
They really didn’t know what hunger pains were.
There is a lot of proof that students who eat breakfast perform better in school.
It is important to provide a source of protein at breakfast. This could even be a high protein cereal.
Stay away from sugar-coated cereals. Those will quickly leave them feeling hungry.
Plan for your child’s breakfast. Help them get a good start to their day.
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Why is This an Obesity Crisis?
This is the reason our country is concerned about the health of Americans. This map spans a 20-yearperiod.
Note: this just shows diabetes. Uncontrolled blood sugars are also a major contributor for heart disease andstrokes and a wide variety of other complications. Diabetes is also the number one reason for blindness andlower limb amputations. And it is also a major contributor for kidney disease.
We do not have a scientifically proven statistic for children yet.
Why is this important?
Children as young as 4 years old have been diagnosis with Type 2 or adult onset diabetes.
We are seeing many of these complications from uncontrolled blood sugars happening faster in children.
Some pediatricians do not want to address these issues. But if your instincts alert you – you better listen.
Parents can improve the future health of their children!
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Preventative Health with Life-Skills
The ADA Diabetes Prevention Program has:
Up to 58% of participants prevent or delay diabetes through lifestyle improvements 70% of individuals over 60 years delay diabetes diagnoses
It is difficult for adults to maintain these changes. How long do you keep your New Year’s resolutions?
How often have you lost weight on a diet only to gain it back again?
With support, parents can teach their children better choices. But unfortunately, there is no preventionprogram for children yet. Preventative health practices are being promoted with adults.
Something to consider:
CDC 13.9% of 2 to 5-year-olds are classi�ed over the 95th percentile for weight 18.4% of 6 to 11-year-olds are classi�ed as overweight 20.6% of 12 to 19-year-olds are classi�ed as overweight According to the CDC in 2009; 87% of obese adolescents remained obese as adults 39% of obese adolescents became severely obese in adulthood. (Freedman, Pediatrics 2009) BMI > 25 at 18 years old are at high risk for complications as adults
(Quig, HE, Karlberg, J. Prediction of Adult Overweight during Pediatric Years) Pediatric Research. Volume 46(6) 1999
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Weight Related Health Problems are Undiagnosed Even in Children
Self-esteem issues
Depression
Hypertension
Asthma
Sleep Apnea
Joint pain
Arthritis
Back pains
Fatty Liver Disease
Type 2 Diabetes
Gall Bladder issues
PCOS
Cancer
Gout
Children and Teenagers canhave significant healthproblems.
Annual increases in BMI rates are a predictor of obesity issues in adulthood
Overweight children face social dysfunctional challenges
High school students are being treated for high blood pressure
Many teens show signs of prediabetes
Many young children have body image distortion leading to anorexia and bulimia
Young people are being diagnosed with chronic Fatty Liver Disease!
The AADE (American Association of Diabetes Educators) reports record cases of 4-year-olds beingdiagnosed with type 2 diabetes
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Body Mass Index with percentages can be confusing
I have seen trends in young children gaining 20pounds every year with annual increasing BodyMass Index. Parents often record their child's heightand weight. They also need to calculate their BMI.BMI calculators can be found online.
Children’s height and weight measurements arerecorded in percentiles.
Their BMI interpretation is different from adults.
As you can see, a BMI of 23 in a 10-year-old placesthem above the 95 percentile and classified asobese.
A 15-year-old with a BMI of 23 is considered average.
BMI is not a perfect system. To improve the data, youcould also include a waist circumference in yourcalculations.
Without using BMI, overweight in children is defined as =/> 85% of the average population.
Obesity is defined as =/> 95%, or 120% over normal for weigh alone.
It is important to monitor changes in BMI from year to year.
As your children grow and change their activities, their BMI can indicate the effects on their health.
For your convenience, I have included a BMI chart for girls and one for boys. You can print the chart that youneed and plot your child’s weight changes from year to year to see if they are in a good range.
th
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Never Place a Child on a Diet
SOURCE: Developed by the National Center for Health Statistics in collaboration with
the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (2000).
http://www.cdc.gov/growthchart
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Never Place a Child on a Diet
BMI in Adults and Chronic Diseases
This publication adjusted the data for the aging of adults.
As weight increases so does the risk for diabetes and other health issues like heart disease and stroke.
93.2% Females with BMI greater than 35 were either diagnosed with diabetes, prediabetes, or havesymptoms of uncontrolled blood sugars.
42.1% Males with BMI greater than 35 where either diagnosed with diabetes or exhibit signs of high bloodsugars.
When this article was published, there was no diagnostic testing for pre-diabetes.
Today prediabetes is diagnosed when your fasting blood sugar is within 100-125
ChanJM, Rimm EB, Colditz GA, et al Diabetes Care 1994, 17:961-969 &Ohlson LO, Larsson B, Svadsudd K et al. Diabetes 1985; 35:1055-1058.
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Recommended Activities for children
Children need a balanced life which includes activity! It has been proposed that children today have toomuch screen time, whether it’s television or video games.
This graphic helps us understand that the activity requirements for children is a lot different from adults. Itstarts with walking every day. I used to walk to elementary school every school day. Do your kids get a rideto school?
3-5 times a week they need cardio exercises to build their heart and lungs. 3 times each week they need muscle building exercises
As an adult, do you feel like it is difficult to get your exercise program to fit into your life? Remember yourkids need variety of activities every day.
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Overweight Children Don’t Know What Normal Energy Feels Like
Children don’t know what normal energy is for their age.
I have seen obese 13-year-olds with chronic knee pain or back pain. They don’t want to be active because itis painful. Trying to get them moving is almost impossible. This is not normal for children.
Parents don’t know what is normal either. Obesity happens very slowly in children.
Overweight children do not know what it feels like to take off that backpack of extra weight.
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Adequate Sleep
Children need about 10 hours of sleep. Well rested children learn better in school. To get children bettersleep, you need good parenting skills.
Here are a couple things you can do:
Computer games stimulate their brains, so playing computer games before bed interferes withtheir ability to go to sleep. If their usual nighttime activity involves screen time, add in a non-stimulating activity before bed, like reading or even coloring. Any blue lights (on cell phones or computers) also stimulate our brains. Monitor theirbedrooms for these blue lights. If they have a computer in their room, shut it down for thenight. Leave cell phones in the kitchen to charge overnight.
I have seen many middle school students using energy drinks to get through their school day. This is nothealthy!
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Never Place a Child on a Diet
What to do About Game Time
Kids prefer to play video games rather than sleeping.
We are beginning to understand how addictive video games can be. Trying to disconnect your children is alot harder than just limiting their game time.
Here’s what you can do:
If they want to play computer games, use it as a reward for doing chores.
Allow them to earn game time from their to-do list. Make up a chore list and the “time” that they receive as areward. So they have control over how much they play, as long as they do the chores.
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Coping Skills
Parents need to teach is good coping skills. This is really individualized. Schools are not teaching this, andmany students don’t have good coping skills.
A poor coping skill is eating. We have all turned to carbohydrates for comfort. When kids learn to eat to feelbetter, they will use the same methods into adulthood.
As parents, we try hard to protect our kids. But we really need to teach them how to cope with stress.
Here are some healthy coping mechanisms you can share with your kids:
Deep breathing can help, but we need to practice it with our kids.
Take a walk, even if it’s just around the house – up and down the stairs.
Practice being grateful. Sometimes we need to remember all the good things we have.
Let go of past events. Recognize what you can’t change and don’t dwell on it.
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Children need love and belonging too
Dr Oz says, “Happy and Healthy starts at home.”
Children need to know they are loved, accepted, and supported.
Be sure to tell them everyday.
Kids need to develop healthy daily habits
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Never Place a Child on a Diet
SummaryKids need good nutrition and limited fast foods
National Eating Disorder Association reports 50% of girl 6 to 8-years-old and 33% of boys the same agethink their ideal weight is thinner than their current weigh. (First graders!)
AND 80% of them report at least one family member has been on a diet. They see what you do and hearwhat you talk about and say about your body.
By age 9-11, nearly half of all kids have been on a diet
Self Esteem problems can lead to eating disorders
Even girls who are not overweight report occasionally dieting
Fashionable diets don’t work for children – Parents need to teach better choices
Many teens have eating disorders – Anorexia and Binging or using diarrhea agents & caffeine to controltheir weight
Many Adolescent boys are trying to increase muscle mass by being on a special high protein diets
A poor body image places our children at a high risk for low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression, whichcan lead to tobacco use, and drug and alcohol abuse
What do you see in your child’s future? You can make a different in their life.
I am giving away a free evaluation form to help you measure your child.
I hope you will take advantage of this free evaluation worksheet!
Link: free child evaluation form
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Never Place a Child on a Diet
What can you do today?1. Evaluate your child’s risk for future health problems2. Learn and practice better parenting skills3. Ask for help, join a support group or seek a private coach
Being diagnosed with a chronic progressive disease is depressing for adults and even more so for theparents of the children knowing it could all be prevented.
Imagine for a moment what it would feel like to have a child diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Parents need to focus forward.
You have passed your genetics AND your health problems onto their children. But genetics is only half theproblem. We say genetics is like a gun. It is not dangerous until you load it.
Your lifestyle choices load the gun. As the parent, you need to teach your children to make better lifechoices.
Making sustainable lifestyle changes could be the most difficult thing you will ever do.
Many people find success by associating in an accountability group.
Parents know they can not do it alone. The often look for sources of information online.
Will the information your find be reliable?
Parents also often need emotional support.
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Never Place a Child on a Diet
Join my Facebook support group for parents focused on kids with weight problems.
If you are interested in measuring how your children are doing, grab my Free child evaluation form.
Go to my website for more information about raising healthy kids www.kidsatriskfordiabetes.com
Email me: [email protected]
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Now, go make it a great day for you and your children!
Never Place a Child on a Diet