I have been teaching school for 30 years, and I am noticing a significant change in the health of children. More of them are overweight, and they just don’t get enough exercise. I wonder if my observation is accurate and if so, what is causing it.

You are absolutely correct. Today’s children are heavier and have significantly higher cholesterol and triglyceride levels than kids did 15 years ago. One comment from a researcher indicated that many children of today will die of heart disease unless trends change.

The researcher also commented that kids need to turn off the TV and get off the sofa. The problem is that high-fat junk food has replaced good nutrition. And even when healthy foods are consumed, kids are not exercising the calories off. Between television, computer games, and just hanging out at the fast-food joints, kids just don’t run and jump like they used to.

So, Mom and Dad should find activities to do together with kids that are active. Things like walking and bicycling and playing outdoor games or hiking. They can also get their children involved in community and school sports programmes ranging from football to basketball.

Children are busy forming habits for a lifetime, so eating right and exercising every day will contribute to greater health in the future.

This article was written by Focus on the Family Malaysia (www.family.org.my) and the Questions and Answers are extracted from “Complete Family and Marriage Home Reference Guide” by Dr James Dobson with permission.