Help your grandkids fight onset of obesity
By David Nankivell
December 4, 2006
Are you baby-sitting your grandchildren? Are you the designated driver for the younger crowd? Do you have a vote in what goes and what doesn't? From Monday to Friday, who is responsible for the care and feeding of the junior members of the tribe?
As we age, we enter the world of concessions. Sometimes, it's one of the family rules that grandma or grandpa is responsible for behavior, safety, helping out with homework or, perhaps, a day at the park. That includes changing shoes to roller skates, or nature walks. Elders sometimes confide in me that all is not "a day at the beach" when they are baby-sitting. One of the hardest tasks for a grandparent is being responsible for what goes into their grandchild's mouth.
The question is, "Can grandma really make a difference?" Medical documentation shows that obesity is responsible for 28,000 deaths in the U.S. each year. If the current trend continues, the battle of the bulge will overtake smoking as the primary cause of preventable death.
Some researchers believe that today's wide-bodied kids will have shorter life spans than their parents. The number of overweight kids has tripled in the past 20 years. Two-thirds of American adults are either overweight or obese. Now in vogue is the medical procedure of stomach stapling. In 2003, more than 100,000 people opted for the costly, risky operation that still is no answer for the massive masses.
Meanwhile, grandma holds the bag of french fries for her grandchildren, to keep them from arguing about who has eaten the most, while each is still holding a big piece of deep-fried chicken in each hand. Grandma is an enabler in this situation. The guilt of dealing with children in her care, without possessing real authority to discipline, makes the task weigh heavily on her.
"I'm not allowed to discipline, except to take timeouts. That's what they call it now," said Emma. "My son and my daughter-in-law both have to work to make it happen in our house. The kids know I can't control them." Maybe it's time to call a halt, and have a real family get-together.
The search is on for a magic pill. Answers to controlling weight and improving health loom large in our future. One study found that a natural compound called PYY reduces appetite and food intake. Another study found that a natural fatty acid, OEA (oleylethanolamide) appears to regulate hunger and metabolism, at least in mice. Research on both compounds is still in the early stages, but could turn out to be the basis for new treatments targeting obesity.
A boutique at the Goebel Center
The pre-holiday RSVP boutique at the Goebel Center in Thousand Oaks has been updated. Gift selection for yourself or a family member includes items such as sweaters, afghans, baby sets, stuffed animals, gift sets and much more. To do your Christmas shopping at the boutique is a win for everybody. All proceeds benefit the RSVP programs.
Tips for the holiday season
The holiday season is upon us. If you will be out among the bustling crowd, try to go with someone who can help you have a good day. Be watchful of things around you. These December days are family days. Dress in warm clothing and enjoy the holidays.
Life writing something to savor
A number of Simi Valley seniors have taken to publishing their manuscripts on life writing. A life story is like good wine; it's possible to savor the beverage while experiencing the body of the grape. Each time you open the cover, life begins again.
Childhood Obesity
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