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Childhood Obesity: Winning the Battle Against the Epidemic

Recorded on 11/6/2007

PROGRAM DETAILS:

Childhood obesity is an extraordinarily widespread problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control , 16 percent, or 9 million, children between the ages of 6-19 are obese – and that number is triple what it was in the 1980s. Childhood obesity may lead to health issues including diabetes, heart disease, hyperlipidemia, and early puberty. We need to be careful not to point the finger at our children or close relatives but to instead create a non-judgmental, encouraging environment for them.

In this Patient Power program, Andrew speaks with Dr. Phil Wu, a pediatric obesity expert at Kaiser Permanente, whose special interests include obesity prevention in children and promoting healthy living for families. Also joining the discussion is Anthony Melo and Ashley Melo, both part of a family determined to make healthy lifestyle changes. Mr. Melo and his daughter discuss their struggles with weight as well as, their new goals to be proactive about becoming healthy by changing their eating habits. Ashley and her parents are active participants in the Kaiser Permanente’s SHINE program, attending once-a-week meetings to teach girls and their families about healthy eating, nutrition and exercise. Ashley says she started the program because she wanted to lose weight and boost her self-esteem. So far she's lost 7 pounds, and is trying to lose 15 more. Ashley now packs her own lunch and makes a sandwich with healthy meats and no mayo. Most importantly, the Melo’s explain how making lifestyle changes as a family has been the key to success.

"When you're trying to become healthy, the effort has to be a family thing. It can't just involve one person, and it has to be a lifestyle change, not just a short term gimmick."

Dr. Phil Wu talks about the problem with obesity as a societal and cultural problem. The discussion focuses on diet frustrations, fast-food temptations, and how to increase the amount of daily physical activity. Dr. Wu also discusses with Andrew the issues of childhood obesity as an epidemic in America, how it impacts Hispanics and African Americans, the role of genetics. The doctor offers five recommendations, as a place to start, for a healthier lifestyle for ourselves and especially our children.

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EXPERTS & GUESTS:
Phil Wu, M.D.
Pediatric Obesity Expert, Kaiser Permanente
Dr. Wu is a Pediatric Obesity specialist with Kaiser Permanente of Tualatin, Oregon. His special interests include obesity prevention in children and promoting healthy living for families. Dr. Wu has been a pediatrician with Kaiser since 1997 and is currently working on broadening the scope of health care to include collaboration with community organizations/businesses in addressing health care disparities. He... more >

Anthony Melo,
Proactive Parent
Mr. Melo and his daughter have struggled with weight and have made it their goal to be proactive about becoming healthy by changing eating habits. Anthony says, "When you're trying to become healthy, the effort has to be a family thing. It can't just involve one person, and it has to be a lifestyle change, not just a short term... more >

Ashley Melo,
Teen Managing Weight
Ashley is like any other vibrant teenager with lots of energy, however she has struggled with weight for sometime. She and her family have been involved in the Kaiser Permanente’s SHINE program for about eight months attending once a week meetings to teach girls and their families about healthy eating, nutrition and exercise. Ashley says she started the program because... more >

TRANSCRIPT:

  1. Introduction
  2. Ashley's Story
  3. The Role of Parents in Childhood Obesity
  4. The Shine Program to Help Children with Obesity
  5. Obesity as a Cultural/Societal Problem
  6. Community and Environmental Issues
  7. The Role of Fast Food in Childhood Obesity
  8. Obesity in Hispanics and African Americans
  9. Physical Activities That Work for Kids
  10. Healthy Meal Choices
  11. Genetics and Obesity
  12. Strategies to Avoid Bad Food Choices
  13. Availability of High Intensity Programs Such as Shine
  14. The Importance of Taking Personal Responsibility for Your Health
  15. Making Small Changes
  16. Dr. Wu's Five Recommendations for a Healthier Lifestyle

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