Have you guys been following the news on obese children? Good God! One in 5 children are not just fat but are obese!! Diabetes is rampant! Its going up every year. I just can't see anyway it can be stopped with our culture. Wouln't it be nice if someone would creat that magic pill so nobody has to suffer with weight? ....Kirk

-- Anonymous, August 04, 2003

Answers

Kirk, I don't have kids so I'm definitely not an expert, but it sure seems to me that kids they days don't seem to move around as much. When I was a young kid (ohmygawdEisenhoweryears), we all rode bikes, played street games like football, kick-the-can, four-square, and baseball until it was so dark we couldn't see. Sitting in the house watching teevee was not an option (stupid shows, three networks, essentially no choices); no computers, and the world was safe enough to explore on a bike. Or even when I got older (12+), I'd walk 4 miles to my friend's house, then we'd walk 3 miles to the beach and hang out; then I'd walk 3 miles or so back home (frequently). My parents weren't going to drive me everywhere...how uncool! And I lived in Seattle. I also didn't get my driver's license until I was 24...good public transportation, but that's another story.

I feel sorry for today's kids. I don't think they get many chances...or else WAY too many...

-- Anonymous, August 04, 2003

I was a thin child till 4-5 grade then my weight started slipping on. One thing that started it was our Mom made us wait till Daddy got home to eat sometimes 9-10 at night we would be starving and then straight to bed. She admids that was our start.

I grew up in a family that was big boned any way (no not a cop out just all my Dads side is big boned large framed) Took a bone test and the Doctor said they go by a wrist measurement. He pulled tight and still came up on the ex large bone frame. He did say not many people truely have a large frame.

I see where alot of kids now get their weight is from eating out constantly. They go out to eat at fast foods,pizza etc. We treat ourselves to a date night 2 times a month would be amazed at the kids in restaraunts nowdays. First time I when to a "fancy" rest. was a seafood rest. when I was 15!!!! Mickey D's was maybe 1 time a month and that was real lucky.

I too wish for a magic pill...................longing for the day!!

Sandy

-- Anonymous, August 05, 2003

Aw, the old magic pill routine, eh Kirk? :)

I think you're all correct; kids don't move around like they used to, like they're supposed to, and of course neither do the parents! And our diets are way too high in carbs. That's all it takes to make one fat in a hurry.

-- Anonymous, August 05, 2003

I remember during the summertime, you would drive around neighborhoods during the early afternoon and have to dodge all kinds of kid stuff in the street . . . ball games , jump rope, all kinds of activities.

Now all you here is silence - broken only by the sound of a/c condensing units going off. Our kids have certainly changed habits - they are indoors and glued to the t.v.s or computers.

-- Anonymous, August 05, 2003