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Many Kids' Cuisine Options Are Far From LeanDining Out Remains A ChallengeThe nation's leading table-service chain restaurants score low when it comes to providing healthy food choices for kids, according to a new study from the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). In fact, says the CSPI, families might do better eating at fast-food establishments for all the nutritional value they are getting. The study found loads of calories, bad fats, and salt in items on kids' menus at major restaurants chains across the US. The study was released at a briefing in Washington, DC. Erika Zeff, a dietitian for the Children's Fitness Clinic at the UVa Children's Medical Center in Charlottesville stated, "The problem with these junk foods is that they comprise a large portion of the overall intake for many young children." "Unfortunately, rather than using fast food as an occasional meal, parents are using it as a staple in their child's diet." This does not bode well for the burgeoning waistlines of the nation's children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of overweight and obese youth has almost doubled in the past 20 years. Moreover, CSPI states, kids are getting a third of their calories from various chain restaurants. Zeff feels that this is because parents are not taking the time to plan meals, buy groceries or provide healthy snacks in the home. She believes some parents prefer grabbing a fast food meal that they know their child will eat rather than trying to fix a nutritious meal that may be unacceptable to their child. Studies show that kids eat nearly double the calories when they eat out versus eating at home. Restaurants Offer Choices, Patrons ChooseIn response to the study, the National Restaurant Association issued a statement saying: "This is yet another stale and worn-out attempt by CSPI to sensationalize an issue and feed the media and consumers with negative messages that vilify the food industry. "The fact is that every day, our nation's 878,000 restaurants provide numerous options to accommodate all types of eating plans - South Beach, Atkins, low-calorie, vegetarian, just to name a few," the statement continues. "And, as the industry of choice and hospitality, restaurants have been incredibly responsive to meet the dietary needs and requests of all consumers, including using alternative food preparation methods - baked, grilled, broiled, poached, or steamed." Zeff feels that children need to be educated regarding lower fat meal options and correct portion sizes. Given that information and guidance from their parents, children will be able to eat at restaurants without consuming excess calories and fat. The National Restaurant Association states, "CSPI seems to continually forget in their various attempts to target foods that 'calories in' is only one part of the equation to living a healthy lifestyle. Balance and moderation in diet, complemented by physical activity, is key to healthier living. And, dietary experts maintain that there are no 'good foods' or 'bad foods,' and that all foods can be part of a balanced diet." CSPI Points To Problems at RestaurantsFor the study, CSPI analyzed children's menus at 20 of the nation's leading table-service chain restaurants. French fries were available on all but one menu. Hamburgers were offered on 85 percent of menus. Many menus offered complimentary biscuits or cornbread and dessert. The independent lab commissioned by CSPI analyzed typical foods from leading restaurants. Many of the menu choices met the government's daily recommendation (1,500 calories and 17 grams of saturated fat or more) in one meal. Dramatic nutritional differences between similar items at different restaurants prompted CSPI to call for nutritional information to be provided on menus. Legislation requiring such information is pending in five states and the District of Columbia. Recently, Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) announced his plan to introduce the Menu Education and Labeling Act (MEAL) in the Senate. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) introduced similar legislation in the House last year. While much of the change must come from these higher levels, individual consumers can also make a difference, health experts say. Zeff says, "One of the best ways to influence your child's food choices is to be a role model for them. A child that sees their parent choosing low fat options is more likely to do the same." Always consult your child's physician for more information. Information on UVa Health System clinical trials for obese children Online Resources(Our Organization is not responsible for the content of Internet sites.) National Safe Kids CampaignAmerican Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Center for Science in the Public Interest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Consumer Product Safety Commission National Institute of Child Health & Human Development National Institutes of Health (NIH) |
April 2004Many Kids' Cuisine Options Are Far From Lean Restaurants Offer Choices, Patrons Choose CSPI Points To Problems at Restaurants Study Shows Preventing Childhood Sports Injuries A Must Study Shows Preventing Childhood Sports Injuries A MustSports are a great way for kids to build strength and character, to make friends, and to learn how to accept both success and defeat well. They are also a good way for children to suffer injuries, especially if they aren't taking proper precautions. A recent study by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found children aged five to 14 had the highest sports-related injury rate of any age group, with 59.3 injuries per 1,000 people. That is more than double the national average sports injury rate of 25.9 injuries per 1,000 individuals. "Children may be at more of a risk than adults because they don't understand the importance of safe behavior", observes Dr. William A. Woods, a pediatrician at the UVa Children's Medical Center's emergency room. "They don't understand the need to wear a helmet, to use proper technique and to maintain adequate hydration. Parents must make sure that children adhere to important safety rules." And with April designated as National Youth Sports Safety Month, physicians are reminding parents they should make sure their children are protecting themselves when they hit the gymnasium or playing field. It is not just contact sports such as football or ice hockey that cause injury, physicians warn. "Many injuries occur in non-contact sports such as basketball, cycling, soccer and baseball. Activities such as skiing, snowboarding and all terrain vehicle riding can cause serious injuries.", Woods said. For children under the age of 14, sports such as gymnastics, skating, and swimming carry a high risk of injury - particularly if a child is training too much. That is when they could suffer pulled muscles, torn ligaments or other soft tissue injuries. Statistics show that knees are number one when it comes to injury, followed by ankles. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says almost 4 million children aged five to 16 sustained some type of sports injury in 2002 that required medical attention. Another 8 million children were suspected of shrugging off their injury and playing hurt. Those numbers have doubled over the past decade, according to the commission. Parents should consider a number of factors before letting their children participate in a sport, says Rita Glassman, co-executive director of the National Youth Sport Safety Foundation. In essence, parents have to become "second coaches" for their children, particularly since many coaches are well-meaning volunteers with little training, Glassman says. The parents should become familiar with the sport and its inherent risks, and check out the specific program in which their child will participate. "They should make sure the coach is certified in first aid and CPR, and also certified by the national governing body of the sport he or she is teaching," Glassman says. Parents also can protect their children by making sure the kids:
Dr. Woods says "Participation in sporting activities is an invaluable part of growing up. In addition to acquiring coordination skills and teamwork skills, the benefits of a healthy active lifestyle are undeniable." "However, adults must understand the risks involved with children participating in sporting activities and take an active role in their protection" emphasized Woods. Always consult your child's physician for more information. |
