CHIROPRACTIC EXPERT OFFERS ADVICE ON COMBATING OBESITY, TYPE II DIABETES AND ITS NEGATIVE EFFECTS ON THE
SPINE, JOINTS AND NERVOUS SYSTEM
Recent statistics from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) are alarming. One in every three children has a significant chance of becoming a type II diabetic during his or her lifetime; approximately 45-50 million people in the U.S. may have diabetes by 2050. The most recent report states that, because of obesity, today’s children could wind up living two to five years less than the current life span.
These statistics are not surprising to Dr. William Madosky of Madosky Chiropractic and Acupuncture Center in St. Louis, who almost daily sees patients coping with the negative health effects of obesity and type II diabetes – stress or permanent damage to spinal and lower-extremity joints. He also recognizes that these and other related health risks, such as heart disease, kidney failure and cancer, could be minimized with proper nutrition and exercise. Type II diabetes occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin to help it receive the end product of food metabolism – glucose. In the past, type II diabetes took years to develop – not fully presenting until later in adult life, which often caused symptoms arising earlier, to be overlooked. Additional body weight increases the demand for insulin, increasing the stress placed on the pancreas. For some, excessive body fat leads to poor utilization of insulin. Combined, both factors increase risk for type II diabetes. Statistics show, the medical community now recognizes these symptoms of type II diabetes at a much earlier age with obese children. That extra body weight also means additional stress placed on the spinal and leg joints – especially the knees. Over time, type II diabetes can lead to permanent nerve damage known as diabetic neuropathy. “Incorporating several lifestyle changes into daily schedules will help control weight, improve overall health, as well as decrease chances of having type II diabetes and experiencing joint pain,” says Madosky. He recommends that parents:
· Set a good example. Parents should strive to be fit by including exercise and healthy eating into their routines. Children emulate the behaviors of their parents.
· Establish goals to improve health. Goals reinforce positive healthy choices and allow family members to see progress. It is best to first set individual and family goals on a daily basis, which broaden into weekly, monthly and annual objectives. Goals may include a gradual increase in individual and family exercise; better food choices when grocery shopping (kids must be active in these choices); a reduction of dependence of fast foods, despite its convenience; and a setting of predetermined time together as a family to discuss the day’s activities – this helps decrease accumulated stress which often leads to poorer eating habits.
COMBATING OBESITY & TYPE II DIABETES
· Don’t use the “e” word. Daily exercise does not have to be called exercise and does not have to be intense. A 15-20 minute walk after dinner, a trip to the playground or a game of soccer is a good first step.
· Seek inter-family agreements & cooperation. The cooperation of other families with whom the child interacts will benefit all the children. Consistent, healthy lifestyle “messages” about food choices and physical activity from other homes are essential.
· Expect schools to promote healthy habits. Encourage the parent-teacher organization of the child’s school to make healthy living a school-wide goal. Some school districts depend upon revenue from vending machines selling “junk” food. Parents can persuade districts to replace “junk” food with healthier choices that are more nutritious.
It is important to be consistent, be determined and follow through once family health-plan initiatives have been established. It’s easier to be steadfast when a child’s health depends upon it.
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