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By now you’ve noticed a change to Being Well. No longer do we print brief items on topics as diverse as health, education and finance. We’ve returned to a regular look at a health or medical issue of importance. This month’s piece is one every parent should read.
In sum, our children are getting fat. As you’ll read in writer Tom Reinke’s story “Weight Watching for Kids,” page 27, the phenomenon has ominous implications for the future cost of health insurance and medical care, as well as workplace productivity. That’s to say nothing of the most serious result for the children; because heavy kids tend to become heavy adults, they face a (possible shortened) lifetime of health problems from cardio-vascular disease to diabetes.
Prevention, in theory, is simple: Be careful about what you feed your children and make sure they get plenty of exercise. In practice, unfortunately, that can be difficult. Raising children at a healthy weight requires more than reading labels and limiting Wii time. It requires educating ourselves about physical activity and nutrition, then committing to preparing healthier meals. Let’s all do our best.
One important, unrelated note: It’s well worth acknowledging that, in this economy, generosity lives on. Delaware Today would like to thank i.g.Burton dealerships for donating the brand new Mercedes Benz raffled at the Best of Delaware Party. Let me repeat: i.g.Burton gave the car outright to raise money for the party’s beneficiaries: Delaware Guidance Services for Youth and Their Families, Big Brothers Big Sisters Delaware and the Delaware Children’s Museum. For its contribution to the cause, for hosting a sponsor party at its showroom in the spring and for its steadfast support, i.g.Burton has Delaware Today’s undying gratitude. Many thanks.
- Talking dining criticism with UD professor Dawn Fallick’s journalism students was a hoot, and having a reason to get back to the Deer Park for a dinner was most welcome. A bit of boasting about my alma mater: I’ve worked with journalism interns from many fine schools over the years, and I can say certainly that the gang from UD is by far the most equipped for work, thanks to a talented, dedicated faculty, and to The Review.
- The 10th annual Northern Lights of Life for the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition at Longwood Gardens was, yet again, a beautiful and touching evening. It was great to catch up with my cousin Mario Rispoli and to see the staff of his salon supporting the cause. I’m not sure I saw one woman who didn’t have a pink hair extension by the end of the night. My heartfelt thanks to Peter Hayward for his kind words about our friend Sally Rinard.
- It was great to chat with family friend Dan Young of the Delaware Air National Guard about Boots on the Ground, a program to help the families of guard members who have been deployed overseas. You’ll read more about the program in an upcoming issue, but with the holidays fast upon us, it’s a great time to help. See www.debotg.org for more.
- Even as I write, I hope for one more swim in the ocean at Fenwick before the water turns too cold. Maybe this weekend. We shall see…