Hitch Fit Living Magazine Volume 1 July/August 2015 | Page 53

Our children are like sponges and they pick up everything we do and if they see us having fun doing it then they will definitely perform the activities or follow our eating patterns. Leading by example is so crucial in life. You are always being watched by either children and or other adults, so the impact you make day in and day out will determine others success as well. A few scary facts from the office of the Surgeon General to think about: “Overweight adolescents have a 70% chance of becoming overweight or obese adults. This increases to 80% if one or more of the parents are overweight or obese.” There are many health risks associated with being overweight or obese such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and some forms of cancer." Type 2 diabetes, previously considered an adult disease has increased dramatically in children and adolescents. Overweight and obesity are closely linked to type 2 diabetes, but the most immediate consequence of being overweight as perceived by the children themselves is social discrimination.” In children and adolescence social discrimination can lead to poor self-esteem and depression. In this day and age with bullying going on at school, on the internet, and in public places we want to protect our children from any pain that can be prevented. It starts with us the Parents!! James Hanton is a father of two (almost 3!) ,Transformation Trainer and Team Leader at the Hitch Fit Gym Overland Park. Contact him for training at [email protected] Check out his trainer profile at: http://hitchfitgym.com/trainers/overland-park-personaltrainer-james-hanton/ If we live healthy lifestyles instead of enabling the children of our future to be lazy and unhealthy then we can actively say that we have done our part to help fight against the world of obesity! So I leave it in your hands. Will you choose to serve your family some grilled chicken, steamed vegetables and brown rice for dinner or will you drive through McDonalds and pick up fried chicken nuggets? Remember it starts with you!!!