To Your Health
Building Healthy Habits to Last a Lifetime

– By Lindsey Marcus –

Thousands of people have computers in their homes, and many relax in front of a television daily. With the myriad of gadgets and modes of sedentary entertainment available to our children, it is no wonder more Americans are overweight than ever before. According to the 2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, about two-thirds of adults, about 136 million people, are overweight or obese. If that isn't alarming enough, the survey goes on to state that 33.6% of children and teens, ages 2 to 19, are overweight or at risk of becoming so, up from 28.2% in 2000. With the appeal of convenience and the glare of technology, how does a parent instill the importance of being fit and active in their children? How do you begin to lay the groundwork?

Everyone can gain from living a healthy and balanced life, complete with regular exercise and proper nutrition. Children reap many benefits from regular exercise, including having stronger bones and muscles, reduced risk of becoming overweight, decreased likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, improved sleeping patterns, and better self esteem. Participating in a sports program will give a child structure and relay the importance of discipline and teamwork, but will also give them a healthy outlet for reducing stress while providing an opportunity for socialization amongst their peers. If your child isn't interested in being on a sports team, fear not, there are other ways to be active on a regular basis. Individual activities such as swimming, horseback riding, dancing, bike riding, skateboarding, karate, climbing, yoga, fencing, walking, and aerobic classes are just a few examples that may be of interest to your child. Why not sit down with them and review the Rye YMCA or Rye Recreation brochures and discuss where their interests lie and let them experiment with different types of programs. The key is finding something your child enjoys, so they will continue to be mobile on a regular basis.

A great way to get your child interested in becoming more active is to be a role model. Children mirror what their parents and older siblings do, so why not show them what you do to stay in shape? Or rather than lead, make it a family affair. As the weather becomes milder, plan a family hike on one of the many beautiful trails in Westchester County. A comprehensive site, www.westchestergov.com/parks, lists almost 50 parks and recreational areas, many of which are equipped for hiking, biking, walking, skating, playing tag, or walking the dog. Even a trip to the zoo will keep your child energized and full of pep as they walk the grounds all day.

Family time doesn't have to end when the trails do, instead, continue discussing the benefits of staying healthy while preparing dinner together. Children can learn how to prepare healthy meals instead of unwinding in front of the television or computer screen. Teach them how to read nutrition labels, and introduce them to different types of food. Further explore what kind of nutrition your child is getting outside the home by getting involved with their school's cafeteria program. In addition, make sure children fuel their bodies properly before during and after strenuous activity, so they may continue to enjoy and preserve their bodies in the long run. Some healthy options for children to carry with them include dried fruit, nuts, air-popped popcorn, pretzels, peanut butter sandwiches, yogurt, fresh fruit, dried cereal, and whole grain bread served with cheese. Nutritious snacking throughout the day will keep their minds sharp and their bodies fueled.

No matter what, relay the message to your children that getting up and moving more now will help them become healthier and happier adults. Whether they mow the front lawn or play baseball, encourage your child to be physically active every day. Combined with healthy eating, physical activity contributes significantly to your child's quality of life now and for the rest of their lives.

Upcoming Greenwich Hospital Programs

The Nurse Is In

People with health questions or those who want to have their blood pressure checked can visit a nurse at the Rye YMCA during drop-in hours, Monday, April 23 or 30, 9 a.m. - noon. The free service is sponsored by Greenwich Health at Greenwich Hospital.

Nutrition for Today's Woman

Did you know that proper nutrition can help women meet the challenges of menopause, heart disease, osteoporosis and stress? On Saturday, April 21, Carol Sherman, RD will speak to these challenges and much more in a special presentation, “Nutrition for Today's Women” from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Noble Conference Center at Greenwich Hospital. An expert in the nutrition field, Sherman currently directs nutrition and food services for several New York University schools and hospitals, including the NYU Cancer Center.

To register, call 203-863-4277 or visit www.greenhosp.org. Fee: $35.

New Program for Treating Depression

The Anxiety and Phobia Treatment Center at White Plains Hospital has developed a program to help individuals suffering from chronic, low-level depression who are unresponsive to medication. The treatment program is designed to teach chronically depressed persons to un-learn the negative ideas they have learned about themselves which get in the way of their being happy, said Dr. Fredric Neuman, Medical Director.”

The program includes a detailed questionnaire to help individuals clearly identify specific misconceptions about themselves, family, friends and feelings about work, parenting and leisure activities. “Two things are automatically learned in the program. The first is that the chronic sadness one feels is not a response to a deficiency of theirs or the world the way it is, but rather to a set of beliefs. The second is that depression is relieved by actively challenging these beliefs in the various arenas of life - in other words, by being proactive,” said Dr. Neuman.

Based on the successful model the Center has developed over the past 35 years of treating phobias and other anxiety disorders, this new treatment program will include programmed homework assignments and weekly group meetings over a period of eight weeks.  The goals of treatment are specific and the measures for success are clear. “With proper treatment, patients manage their lives more effectively.  Their morale improves and the depressed mood that colors their lives is relieved.”

For more information, contact Judy Chessa at 681-1038 or visit www.wphospital.org.