Recent data from the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority is rather alarming. Annual screenings confirm that at least 22% of school children are overweight and another 15% are at risk of becoming overweight. Children as young as 12 years old in the Cayman Islands are showing signs of developing Diabetes and Hypertension due to their physical condition. On a recent visit to the Cayman Islands, Paul Staso of the P.A.C.E. Trek Running & Walking Challenge for School Children* made some great observations, but the one that made the biggest impression on me was that a person’s environment (such as the warm climate of the Cayman Islands) does not preclude them from becoming obese. The battle against children’s expanding waist sizes is not just about physical activity, but also proper nutritional choices.
It’s hard to believe that so many children are growing up without an understanding of what whole fruits and vegetables even look like. What are they eating?
Are we raising an entire generation of kids that are going to think that “cooking” means nuking a frozen, pre-packaged, preservative laden, carbohydrate rich dinner? Is it time to call manufacturers to let them know that they should redesign their fridges without the fruit and vegetable bins so that we have more room for sugary beverages? Are we really, as studies are predicting, raising the first generation that will not live longer than their predecessors?
Are we, in our hectic lives and ignorance, creating a tragedy? What are we doing to ourselves, and more importantly what are we doing to our beloved children?
The people of the Cayman Islands have a responsibility to save children from a lifetime of illness, a life that might be cut short because of some horrible and preventable disease. As parents, teachers and members of the general community, our country should be preparing kids to be healthy, responsible and capable adults. So let’s dust off our baking pans, turn on the oven, force kids away from their video games, and get them into the kitchen!
Grocery Shopping with Kids
The grocery store is not necessarily designed to be a friend in your pursuit of healthy food.
This is where that “shop the perimeter” concept can come in handy. Remember that the fresh produce, dairy and meats are going to be on the outer edges of the store.
Think of the grocery store as a forum for education. It’s the place for kids to learn about new fruits and veggies and an opportunity for you to teach children to make healthy food purchases in the future.
Let’s Cook with Kids
At the end of a hectic day most of us have enough trouble slapping a nutritious dinner on the table, let alone having our kids help us make it. It is worth trying though, even if it is only once a week.
Let Them be Kids
This might seem like a strange thought to finish on, but kids still need to be kids. Being very strict can cause food issues if the child never gets to enjoy the pleasure of sinfully bad food. That birthday cake should be eaten and enjoyed. So should an ice-cream cone on a hot summer day. As long as a daily routine includes healthy choices, they will learn to view these items for what they are meant to be: an occasional treat rather than a daily food choice.
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