Increases in infant mortality

From the New York Times

For decades, Mississippi and neighboring states with large black populations and expanses of enduring poverty made steady progress in reducing infant death. But, in what health experts call an ominous portent, progress has stalled and in recent years the death rate has risen in Mississippi and several other states.

The setbacks have raised questions about the impact of cuts in welfare and Medicaid and of poor access to doctors, and, many doctors say, the growing epidemics of obesity, diabetes and hypertension among potential mothers, some of whom tip the scales here at 300 to 400 pounds.

“I don’t think the rise is a fluke, and it’s a disturbing trend, not only in Mississippi but throughout the Southeast,” said Dr. Christina Glick, a neonatologist in Jackson, Miss., and past president of the National Perinatal Association.

For the full article click HERE

Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity has become a much more serious health problem than we want to admit.

Look at the news about the 200 pound 8-year-old in England who made international news. It was such a serious problem that the British agencies held a hearing to determine if the child should remain with his mother. It was considered a case of abuse/neglect.

We think of abuse/neglect as severe punishment or locking kids in closets - but it will only be a matter of time before obesity is on the list of what is considered neglect on the part of parents here and elsewhere.

No government yet wants to start removing children to foster care due to obesity - but we as a culture have to look out for children - society has an interest in its children...and obesity is shortening lifespans - isn't that abusive?

Do we allow children to eat what they want? Or do we as adults control what food they eat?

What's your take on it?

Comment below

Back to school?

I took off from blogging a lot this summer and enjoyed doing things with my son who spent the summer here...

Children are back to school and back to eating those lunches you make...please make them healthy!

We are entering a new generation of obesity and now it's not just adults who are obese - it is expected that the number of children who are obese will hit 20% by the year 2010 - that's only FOUR years from now.

I heard or read somewhere that we are reaching that stage in obesity where this or the next generation of children will NOT have a longer life span than the parents...

Not only is obesity bad in and of itself, it makes all other medical problems worse....

I've been blogging about healthier children for a while now and hope the readers of this blog are among those who will not have obese children...It is something parents have control over during the child's early years...and good nutrition early on can never be a bad choice...

Please watch what your children eat and make sure they get exercise....