Child Obesity (Concluded)

JK: "A recent article in USA TODAY reminded us that 20 years ago, cookies topped the list of snacks, followed by fruits. Today, fruits top the list. Cookies are still present on the list, but even our school systems are turning to healthier snacks."

"Kids consume about 50% of their daily calories while at school... away from home and out of your control. You HAVE to establish rules and standards at home!"

"The USA TODAT piece suggests that the paradigm is shifting a bit...there's still a lot of junk foods in our kids' environment, but for more and more parents, the "default food" is some kind of fruit."

KN: "Fruits and vegetables are more expensive than cookies and, in poorer areas, you see less fruits and vegetables...Which is why, in New York City, we are sending produce carts to under-accessed areas...making these items more available and affordable ...helps people eat healthy...

To get kids to move more, reduce sitting and limiting TV...even computer games to ONE hour... If parents will take the responsibility of being a good role model and eat at a table in a room where there is no TV, it will be easier to train the children to follow suit...

If you don't eat excessive amounts of sweets and ice cream...have at least half your plate filled with vegetables (and the rest scattered throughout the day)...if you model proper healthy behaviors, you soon will see your kids improve."