Life Style
Bone health critical issue for men with prostate cancer
Posted on 18. May, 2012 by citizen in Life Style
Newly available tools can aid doctor-patient communication on prostate cancer and bone health.
Prostate cancer is a serious issue for men, with one in six diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime. However, it is especially important for African-American men, who have a one in five chance of being diagnosed, which is the highest incident rate than any other group in the U.S. A recent survey of 90 men showed that men with prostate cancer aren’t thinking about a potentially serious health concern that nearly all patients with advanced disease will experience – bone problems.
“Prostate cancer is a health concern that all men should be aware of, including African-American men who are at higher risk for this disease,” said Dr. Kris Gaston, urologist and clinical assistant professor of surgery/urology at the University of North Carolina. “I treat many of these men who are unaware of their risk of prostate cancer and are often diagnosed at later stages of the disease.”
When an African-American man is diagnosed with prostate cancer, he often has a more advanced level of the disease. In fact, a study looking at how prostate cancer can spread to other parts of the body found that African-American men were more likely than Caucasian men to have widespread disease with pain in their bones and had lower physical activity status. These results may be because African-American men are less likely to get tested for prostate cancer.
However, there are ways for African-American men to protect themselves. It is important for men to look out for prostate cancer early by speaking with their physicians about the signs and symptoms of the disease.
Bone health is a critical, yet often under-recognized facet of prostate cancer.
In early stages of prostate cancer, a man may receive hormone therapy that can cause bone loss and weakening. When prostate cancer advances, the most common place for it to spread is to the bone. This can cause severe pain and lead to bone complications, such as fractures and spinal cord injury, which may require surgery or radiation.
In fact, roughly 75 percent of patients with advanced prostate cancer and approximately 90 percent of patients with castrate-resistant prostate cancer will develop bone metastases. Yet, results from a recent survey showed that only seven percent of men with prostate cancer were familiar with the potential for bone complications from cancer spreading.
“Cancer can have a serious impact on a man’s bones during his prostate cancer journey. The results can be debilitating and greatly impact a man’s life,” said Fred Mills, former chairman of the board, Us TOO International Prostate Cancer Education and Support Network. “It’s important for all men to educate themselves and become aware of risk factors and ways to help protect their bones from the effects of cancer.”
Talk to your doctor for more information. There is also an available resource, the “Bone Health in Focus” report, to help prostate cancer patients and their caregivers learn more about how cancer can affect a man’s bones. The report features valuable information – such as personal stories, tips, and survey results – that can assist men in their cancer journey.
More information about bone health and prostate cancer is available in the “Bone Health in Focus” reports available at www.BoneHealthinFocus.com. ARA
Fever facts for parents: What you should know when treating your child
Posted on 03. May, 2012 by citizen in Life Style
Allow time to recover. The AAP recommends that parents keep their children home from school or daycare until the child is fever-free for at least 24 hours.
With cold and flu season also comes fever season, and across the country, parents will experience anxiety levels that rise in tandem with their children’s temperatures. In fact, more than half of parents report feeling anxious, fearful or helpless when their child comes down with a fever, according to the recent “Dose of Reality” survey by the makers of Children’s Advil (R).
In addition to their concern, many parents also seem unaware of the proper ways to deal with their child’s fever. In fact, in the survey of more than 1,000 parents of children younger than 12, more than half said they have sent their child back to school or daycare less than 24 hours after a fever passed, and nearly a quarter admitted to giving their children an adult over-the-counter medication at an estimated lower dose to treat a fever.
“Even some of the most seasoned parents worry about fever,” says Dr. Alanna Levine, a nationally recognized pediatrician, mother of two and spokesperson for Children’s Advil. “It’s the most common reason I’m paged after office hours. I like to reassure parents with ‘fever phobia’ that fever is their friend.”
On its HealthyChildren.org website, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) points out that fever is the body’s natural response to infection. The AAP also notes that a fever does not necessarily mean a child needs to go to the emergency room or even see a doctor.
Yet one third of pediatricians surveyed by Pfizer estimate that up to half of their patient’s parents have taken their child to the emergency room due to a fever before calling the doctor. And 94 percent of the doctors surveyed said they feel parents need more education on fever management.
Levine has partnered with Children’s Advil this cold and flu season to offer parents some helpful advice for proper management of their child’s fever:
* Stay cool. Remember that most fevers indicate that the body is fighting an underlying illness.
* Be prepared. Talk to your pediatrician about fever at the start of cold and flu season, and ask for information on proper fever management. Also, check your medicine cabinet to ensure that all medications have not expired or been recalled. Check recalls.gov to stay aware of any recalls.
* Watch for serious signs. Generally, you should call your pediatrician if your child is 3 months or younger and has a fever of 100 degrees or higher, if your child is older than 3 months and has a fever that exceeds 103 degrees, if your child has a fever and looks and acts very sick, or if the fever lasts for more than three days. As always, call your pediatrician with any concerns.
* Dose appropriately. More than a third of parents dose their children primarily based on age, rather than weight, according to the survey. Yet, weight is more accurate and the basis preferred by doctors. If weight is not known, dosing by age is acceptable.
* Do not give your child an adult medication. Nearly one in four parents surveyed admit to giving their children an adult over-the-counter fever medication at an estimated lower dose. Parents should always use a children’s medication and never give an adult product to a child, unless specifically recommended by your child’s physician.
* Medicate wisely. When choosing a fever medication, be sure to consider how long it will last. For example, Children’s Advil, which contains ibuprofen, provides up to eight hours of relief with just one dose.
* Let sleeping children rest. More than half of parents surveyed said they wake their child in the middle of the night just to give them fever medication, yet most pediatricians believe a sleeping child should not be awakened solely to be given fever medication. Parents should closely monitor their children, and if they have any concerns about treating the child’s fever, they should check with their pediatrician.
You can learn more about fevers and Children’s Advil at www.ChildrensAdvil.com or at Facebook.com/ChildrensAdvil.
“The goal of treating the fever is really to make the child feel better,” Levine says. “During this cold and flu season, all parents should be armed with the proper facts about fevers and how to manage them.”
Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, sponsored this article. (ARA)
Seven Tips For A Healthier Kwanzaa
Posted on 22. Dec, 2011 by citizen in Life Style
Photo: iStockPhoto/TerryWhite
Kwanzaa is an African-American cultural holiday whose name is derived from the Swahili phrase meaning “first fruits.” The celebration itself is a time to reflect on family and culture, as well as the well-being of both family and community. Pass the gift of health to future generations by celebrating with true “fruits of the harvest.”
1. Think about the benefits of healthier eating for both body and mind. Traditional foods for this holiday are actually high in fat content, which can contribute to heart disease and weight gain, so choose portion sizes wisely to celebrate with health in mind. Many of the diseases that affect African Americans can be positively impacted by dietary choices – high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol levels and obesity are all diseases that are quite common but may be improved upon by dietary choices and doctor-approved activity. Even losing just a few pounds can be effective in helping to improve health!
2. Instead of high-fat sweet potato fritters, try a baked yam topped with light sour cream, or try mixing in low-fat spreadable cheese or 1/3 less fat cream cheese for a creamy, smart and tasty alternative.
3. In place of high-fat fried okra, try okra with stewed tomatoes. This vibrantly colored dish is lower in fat/calories and higher in nutrients like potassium and vitamin C.
4. Black-eyed peas with ham may be high in sodium if you use a canned or smoked ham, so try fresh turkey with your black-eyed peas.
5. For a succulent succotash that is nutritious, try simmering chicken with onion, garlic, celery, low-sodium chicken bouillon, baby lima beans, fresh corn (or use canned corn that has been drained to reduce sodium) and frozen cut okra, then add some chopped tomatoes. It’s a delicious way to eat a leaner protein (chicken) while including vegetables.
6. With thought to the colors included in traditional celebrations, try creating a beautiful, healthful relish tray with red and green bell peppers, broccoli, radishes, green beans and tomatoes. Try roasting them in the oven with a small amount of olive oil and herbs for a flavorful holiday presentation.
7. Spend time teaching your children about good food and activity choices. Talking with your children will help them understand what they can do to stay healthy, and participating with them will not only give them the gift of time, it will also show them the importance of caring for themselves, which is a gift that can last throughout the year.
Recipe
Greens with Apples & Candied Walnuts
Photo: JEWEL-OSCO
Photo Credit: JEWEL-OSCO
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Amount: 8 servings
Make candied walnuts ahead of time and store in an airtight container. Salads can be partially assembled up to 1 hour ahead; keep covered and refrigerated. Add walnuts and apples just before serving.
1 (10 ounce) package Italian mixed greens
8 slices Jewel® thick sliced bacon, cooked crisp, crumbled
4 ounces reduced fat blue cheese, crumbled
1 cup Candied Walnuts (below)
2 cups sliced Granny Smith apples
1 cup prepared balsamic vinaigrette
Arrange mixed greens among 8 salad plates. Top with bacon, blue cheese, walnuts and apples. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette. Serve.
Candied Walnuts:
In medium skillet, melt 2 tablespoons Jewel® butter over medium heat. Add 1 (6 ounce) package Baking Classics™ chopped walnuts; sauté 2 minutes. Add 1/2 cup Jewel® brown sugar; stir until sugar is completely melted and bubbly. Remove from heat and spread on homelife™ aluminum foil that has been sprayed with Jewel® no stick cooking spray. Be sure to separate walnuts as much as possible. Allow to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.
Amount: 1 2/3 cups
By Kim Kirchherr, MS, RD, LDN, CDE
JEWEL-OSCO Dietitian
Copyright © 2008, SUPERVALU, Inc. All rights reserved.
Make the Most of Your Gift-Giving Budget this Holiday Season
Posted on 15. Dec, 2011 by citizen in Life Style
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
(Family Features) The holidays are a special time of year where friends and family celebrate the magic of the season together. And if you’re like a lot of people, you want convenient, budget-friendly holiday gift ideas for everyone on your gift list. This year, surprise your loved ones with gifts everyone can enjoy together, like a cozy night at home with their favorite movies or games.
According to the National Retail Federation’s 2011 Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch, 44.4 percent of consumers have DVDs, videos or video games on their wish list, so home entertainment gifts are sure to please.
Here are some tips to help you maximize your gift-giving budget and make new traditions this holiday season, without sacrificing fun.
Keep track. Carefully managing your holiday spending on a day-to-day basis will help you keep your costs in check and allow you to splurge on a great gift. Keep track of your budget with free smartphone apps such as Spend Free, available at iTunes, or online with a free membership at www.mint.com.
Keep gift-giving expenses down with gifts such as Blockbuster By Mail subscriptions, where your friends and family can receive Blu-ray – at no additional charge – and DVD movies and video games by mail, then exchange them for new rentals at a Blockbuster store.
Make any time movie time. The gift of entertainment is for everyone – as a hostess gift, a stocking stuffer or something for hard-to-buy-for family members. Personalize the entertainment experience with 3- or 5-disc Build Your Own Box Sets from your local Blockbuster. They come in a festive gift box, so you don’t even need to wrap them. Check out the wide range of movies, TV shows and video games available online and in stores.
Create new holiday traditions. Expand your special family time this holiday season with affordable entertainment options such as movies and video games at home. Rent your favorite holiday movies and set up a bakery at home rather than buying holiday treats from the local specialty store. Or set up a family game tournament with video games and stay warm on a frosty winter’s night. Once everyone has mastered one game, you can return it in-store to keep the fun going.
For movie and game ideas and more information on a variety of holiday gifts under $50, visit www.blockbuster.com.
Handy Holiday Reminders
Posted on 05. Dec, 2011 by citizen in Life Style
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Santa makes a list and checks it twice so he doesn’t forget anything. Do you?
There are a few things that a lot of people forget during the holidays, according to a survey by RadioShack. So you might want to double check your own to-do list, just to be sure that everyone’s holiday can be jolly.
Thank you notes – 44 percent of those surveyed forget to write a note of thanks for a gift. Stock up on thank you cards early – then put a “Thank You Day” on the family calendar between Christmas and New Year’s so that everyone can take care of this important task before too much time goes by.
- Batteries – 36 percent forget batteries for the gifts they buy. There’s nothing more frustrating than getting excited about a new present, then not being able to use it right away because there are no batteries. When you buy an electronic gift, make sure you put the right size batteries in the cart before you check out. Stock up on some of the more common sizes in case someone else forgets the batteries for your gift, too.
- Accessories for gifts – 31 percent tend to forget gift accessories, such as carrying cases, battery chargers, headphones or cleaning kits. If you’re not sure what kind of accessories your gift should have, you can always include a gift card so that the recipient can buy just what they need later on. For more accessory and gift ideas, visit www.radioshack.com.
- Hostess gifts – The holidays are filled with parties and special occasions, yet 29 percent don’t remember to bring a host or hostess gift with them. Keep a little stash of ready-to-go gifts such as gourmet cocoas or coffees, boxed chocolates or scented candles so you have something handy for even the most last-minute events.
- Receipts and return options – Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a gift just doesn’t work out, so you need to make it easy for the recipient to return it. If you’re one of the 70 percent who said they plan to do the majority of their holiday shopping in stores this year, be sure to ask for a gift receipt along with your regular receipt. If you’re one of the 26 percent who plans to do 50 percent or more of shopping online, find out what the site’s return policies are. Print up any documentation for the gift and make it available to the recipient should they need it.
Taking care of these little things now will help make the holidays go more smoothly, and let you enjoy them even more.
(Family Features)
Stay Safe And Healthy This Halloween
Posted on 28. Oct, 2011 by citizen in Life Style
Make sure children ear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.
Autumn is officially here. Leaves of orange, red and brown hues litter sidewalks and streets and the sun sets much earlier.
Now is the time for seasonal celebrations like Halloween that inspire people to decorate and dress in costumes. And although the urge to hoard and eat candy and other treats may be overwhelming, it is important to remain vigilant and exercise precaution during the festivities.
The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) urges the public to reduce the intake of sugary sweets during the holiday and recently released a list of tips for candy consumption.
“The key is everything in moderation. In Chicago, 3-7 year olds have more than twice the obesity rate (22 percent) than that of young children in the US as a whole (10 percent), so we need to be more active in curbing bad habits and instilling healthy eating habits. This is the perfect opportunity for families to have those important conversations about healthy eating with their children,” stated Dr. Bechara Choucair, Commissioner for the City of Chicago Department of Public Health, in a press release.
Tips from the CDPH:
1. Consider purchasing non-food treats for trick or trick-or-treaters, such as coloring books or pens and pencils.
2. Curb the candy by providing healthier treats for trick-or-treaters, such as individual packs of raisins, pretzels, or 100 calorie packs.
3. Give children a good meal prior to parties and trick or treating to discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.
4. When kids come home with candy, take control. Let them keep some and give some away to food banks or charities. Many dental offices also have programs to incentivize donating candy.
5. Always think about the health of your teeth to prevent tooth decay: Sticky candies like gummies and taffy adhere teeth. Hard sugary candies are held in the mouth longer, giving bacteria in the mouth more time to create acid that weakens tooth enamel.
6. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items. Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats unless you know the cook well.
Halloween coincides with the flu season. The CDC advises individuals who are ill to stay at home. Hand washing is important because it prevents the spread of germs to others. Dressing appropriately is also critical because exposure to cold temperatures can cause serious health problem, the CDC cites.
Costume safety is crucial, especially for children. Accessories such as swords, knives and other costume paraphernalia should be short, soft, and flexible.
The CDC also has a few tips for children before they go trick-or-treating.
Tips from the CDC:
- Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
- Do not trick or treat alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
- Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. Always WALK and don’t run from house to house.
- Look both ways before crossing the street.
- Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
- Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.
- Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.
Sources: Chicago Department of Public Health, Center for Disease Control and Prevention
by Thelma Sardin
‘Tis the Season Easy Recipes For The Holidays
Posted on 25. Oct, 2011 by citizen in Life Style
If time and money are in short supply, use creativity to turn small splurges into celebrations. Here are holiday recipes that won’t break the bank nor leave you exhausted afterwards.
Each recipe features an affordable import — butter and cheeses from Ireland, where cows are grass-fed and milk from small farms is used to make prized dairy products.
Pear, Roast Onion, Hazelnut & Cashel Blue Cheese Salad
Pear, Roast Onion, Hazelnut and Cashel Blue Cheese Salad
1 red onion, peeled
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
3 pears (not too ripe)
2 tablespoons Kerrygold Unsalted Irish Butter
2 ounces hazelnuts, lightly toasted, halved
5 ounces baby greens (watercress, baby spinach and frisée)
10 ounces Cashel Blue cheese, crumbled
Dressing:
2 1/2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper
4 tablespoons hazelnut oil
2 tablespoons light olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons superfine sugar (or to taste)
Preheat oven to 350°F. Halve onion and cut it into crescent slices. Put into a small ovenproof dish, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast about 20 minutes, or until soft with slightly caramelized tips. Keep warm.
Whisk dressing ingredients together. Halve and core pears, then cut lengthwise into slices slightly thicker than 1/4 inches. Melt butter in a frying pan and quickly sauté on each side until golden. Don’t overcook — they should still hold their shape.
Toss salad greens with nuts, using most of the dressing; divide among 6 plates. Add pear and onion slices to each plate and scatter with cheese. Drizzle each plate with the rest of the dressing. Serves 6.
As featured on BBC Radio 4 Woman’s Hour.
Potato Chowder with Pancetta and Aged Cheddar
6 ounces pancetta or bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, unpeeled, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
1 cup chopped celery
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup low-fat buttermilk
Salt and pepper
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Kerrygold Aged Cheddar
In large saucepan over medium-high heat, cook pancetta, stirring, until crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove pancetta and drain on paper towels. Discard all but 1/2 teaspoon fat from pan. Add onion and sauté over high heat until lightly browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Add potatoes, celery and broth. Cover, bring to a boil and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 12 minutes. Add buttermilk and pancetta and stir until hot, 1 to 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat, stir in cheese and serve immediately. Makes 4 servings; multiply recipe for a crowd.
And for Every Holiday Get-Together, a Cheese Board
A universal favorite of guests and the easiest choice for the host is a cheese board. An assortment of Irish cheeses like Dubliner, Cashel Blue and Kerrygold Aged Cheddar with fresh fruit and chutney make a spectacular presentation.
For more holiday recipes, visit www.kerrygoldusa.com.
(Family Features)
Southeast Chicago’s Historic Bungalows
Posted on 27. Sep, 2011 by citizen in Life Style
The Chatham, West Chatham and South Shore neighborhoods are composed of some of the most historically significant bungalow style homes in the country. Shown, a picturesque bungalow block in the South Shore community. (Photo by Annie Grossinger)
Chicago’s Chatham, West Chatham and South Shore neighborhoods host a bounty of historic bungalow homes. The brick, robust style dwellings, befittingly called “Chicago Bungalows,” have helped define the city’s communities for generations and have gained national attention. In fact, South Shore and West Chatham bungalows are listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The NRHP is an official list of sites around the country that are worthy of preservation.
Faith Rackow, deputy director, Historic Chicago Bungalow Association (HCBA) told the Chicago Citizen, that in her opinion, a national recognition such as placement on the NRHP fosters community pride.
A Chicago Bungalow is a 1 ½ story brick single family structure built between 1910 and 1940. The prairie style home has overhanging eaves, limestone highlights and detailed windows. In addition, the bungalow has a roofline that is perpendicular to the street. Born out of the Arts and Crafts movement, Chicago Bungalows were designed to fit on the city’s urban lots.
The South Shore district has 318 original structures and 229 are Chicago Bungalows. The homes were designed by over 35 different architects. Despite the many developers, the bungalows in this area maintain uniformity. With its mixture of frame, stucco, and brick structures, the South Shore district exhibits a natural variety of forms, texture and colors, according to the HCBA.
West Chatham began to flourish as a bungalow neighborhood in the 1920’s. Out of 347 structures in the community, 281 are Chicago Bungalows.
According to Rackow, every bungalow community is unique because the developer left their imprint on the neighborhood through design and architecture. For example, F.A. Fielder was a West Chatham developer who left an indelible mark on the community. Fielder, designed bungalows on south Yale Avenue. His bungalows included distinctive features like flat or polygonal bays with side entrances, low-pitched, hipped roofs and brick and limestone detailing on the facades. And, according to the HCBA, Fielder brought an Art Deco twist, which set south Yale Avenue apart from the rest of West Chatham.
On Oct. 26, HCBA is hosting a workshop series at Avalon Library, 8148 S. Stony Island Ave. The session will provide tips on energy efficiency, seasonal maintenance and preserving architectural features of historically significant homes. Matt Cole from Neighborhood Housing Services will be the keynote speaker.
The seminar is free and space is limited. To RSVP please call 312-675-0300 x 10 or e-mail reservation@chicagobungalow.org
Source: Historic Chicago Bungalow Association
by Thelma Sardin
The Wonders Of Wireless Audio
Posted on 17. Sep, 2011 by citizen in Life Style
Altec Lansing's "inMotion Air"
Music lovers have many ways to enjoy their personal libraries on the go through iPods, smartphones, tablets or computers. In fact, the only thing restraining music has been wires connecting to the wall or connecting to headphones – until now. Users are discovering that wireless technologies have advanced to the point that they are able to stream CD quality music hundreds of feet from portable devices or from computers over the airwaves. One such technology called Bluetooth is making that easier than ever.
Bluetooth is a short-range, radio-wave based technology that allows wireless audio and data transmission. Two Bluetooth-enabled devices can be paired so that, when in range of each other, they establish a communication link to send data, or in this case, music. Already in use with that hands free phone system you may own, a new wireless audio system uses Bluetooth to bring great sound anywhere in the house. This technology is beginning to be utilized by companies such as Altec Lansing and their new system, the inMotion Air.
“Users want access to their music at all times, whether it’s from their computer libraries, mobile phones or portable players,” said Steve Schlangen, Altec Lansing product manager. “The inMotion Air delivers freedom from the confines of wires so that the benefits of rich, crystal clear sound can be shared anywhere.”
Unlike any other wireless audio system at this affordable price point, users experience distinctive sound definition and distortion free audio, even at room-filling volume levels. When connected to a computer via the included wireless adaptor, the Altec Lansing inMotion Air achieves a range of 100 yards - the equivalent of an entire football field – to stream playlists, internet radio or other audio content.
Users of the iPhone, iPad, Android phones and any other stereo Bluetooth enabled devices can enjoy music anywhere for up to seven hours with the included rechargeable Lithium-ion battery. As an accessory to an active social lifestyle or for your personal listening pleasure, syncing to the inMotion Air is fast and simple.
Users can access extensive audio libraries with the included remote control, with integrated support for iTunes and Windows Media Center. When connected to a Bluetooth enabled portable device, streaming and controlling content is a breeze.
To find out more about enjoying music without wires visit www.alteclansing.com. Family Features
Children & Obesity
Posted on 12. Sep, 2011 by citizen in Life Style
By Larry Lucas
NNPA Columnist
As our children and grandchildren return to school this fall, their very first day will be a reminder of all that has changed since they departed for summer vacation. They’ll face new classes, new books, new teachers and likely even new friends. But the back-to-school season is also a great time to introduce new habits. While the lazy days of summer may inspire barbeques and visits to the ice cream truck, fall is a great time to foster healthy habits in our young ones’ everyday lives.
Few Americans would be shocked to learn that our country is the most obese in the world. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one-third of American adults are obese. While this statistic is troubling, more concerning is the effect the obesity epidemic is having on our children. Approximately 17 percent of children and adolescents aged 2-19 years – 12.5 million – are obese. What’s more, this number has almost tripled since 1980.
Childhood obesity means a lot more than a larger soccer uniform. The condition can lead to serious health complications. Obese children are more likely to have high blood pressure, high cholesterol and respiratory conditions like asthma. Obese children and adolescents also have a greater risk of social and psychological problems, such as bullying and poor self-esteem, which can last into adulthood.
Obese children, like obese adults, are at a higher risk for diabetes as well – and, unfortunately, African Americans are at an even higher risk than their white counterparts. While type 2 diabetes has traditionally affected adults over the age of 40, because of the increase in obesity among children, more and more people are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes during youth. The CDC describes type 2 diabetes as “a sizable and growing problem among U.S. children and adolescents.” Type 2 diabetes can lead to even graver health conditions such as blindness, kidney failure and heart disease.
Fortunately, obesity is preventable— and developing healthy habits during childhood and adolescence can help combat future health risks throughout adulthood. We all know that diet and exercise are the two pillars of a healthy lifestyle, but sometimes making these choices is easier said than done. But there are simple steps you can take at home, such as cutting out sodas and other sugary drinks, to reduce empty calories and sugar intake. Similarly, pay attention to the amount of exercise your children are receiving. Try to limit the number of hours they spend in front of the TV, and instead, encourage them to play outside and enjoy the crisp autumn air.
Unfortunately, obesity has already led to further health complications for some, and diet and exercise may not be enough. In such cases, it’s important to effectively treat those health issues. Rest assured that our nation’s biopharmaceutical researchers are hard at work every day to develop new treatments for children with diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and other diseases linked to obesity.
The revolutionary drug treatments our biopharmaceutical industry develops and produces are only helpful if children can access them. Patients who have trouble affording their medication can turn to the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA). Sponsored by American’s biopharmaceutical research companies, PPA can help patients connect to patient assistance programs that may provide the medicines they need for free or nearly free. Patients who are interested in learning more can visit www.pparx.org or call 1-888-4PPA-NOW.
Through treatment and prevention it is possible for us to reduce the prevalence and effects of obesity in America. Making easy changes to our children’s diets and adding in some exercise can transform a new back-to-school routine into a set of lifelong healthy habits.
Larry Lucas is a retired vice president for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).
