Athens —
A generation raised on fast food and fast computers is showing an increased frequency of childhood obesity.
Texas Department of Public Health Nurse Angela Menchaca told the Athens Kiwanis Club on Tuesday that obesity now affects 17 percent of the nation’s children between the ages of 2 and 19 years old.
That has tripled from a generation ago.
“What they see is what they do,” Menchaca said of the children. “If they are taught a healthy lifestyle, they will probably continue.”
Some of the factors that have contributed to the increase in obesity are excessive snacking, consumption of more high-calorie foods, lack of physical activity and family habits, Menchaca said. The problems start early.
In Henderson County, between 10 and 15 percent of low-income children aged 2 to 4 years are obese. That matches the state obesity percentage for that age group.
Obesity is harmful to youngsters in many ways, Menchaca said. It can lead to psychological effects including low self esteem, depression and bullying. Physical effects can include cardiovascular problems and diabetes.
Menchaca said there are ways to change the habits that have contributed to more overweight children. In the past, children were often taught to always clean their plate at mealtime. Now, nutritionists teach children to stop eating when they’re full.
Another good rule is to curb eating while on the phone, computer or watching television. If the child is going to a party, eating a snack before might help them avoid too much cake and ice cream.
“We as a community should invest our time in our children by starting at a young age to educate and influence positive behaviors,” Menchaca said.
Parents can teach children the four food categories and how to balance a healthy meal, she added. They can also introduce the children to fun exercise activities.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Angela Menchaca, public health nurse in the Athens office of the Texas Department of Health Services, speaks to Athens Kiwanis Club members about the growing problem of childhood obesity. Rich Flowers/Athens Review
Discussion
A growing cause for concern
TDH nurse tells Kiwanians childhood obesity rates are soaring
- Local News
-
-
A personal story to tell
When Donna Johnson took to the podium last week at Trinity Valley Community College, it wasn’t to tell her own story.
Johnson was the featured speaker at the college’s annual GED graduation ceremony last week. The ceremony gives students who have completed the high school equivalency exam during the past year the chance to attend commencement. -
Athens house burned
A Monday afternoon fire inflicted severe damage to a house at 911 W. Cayuga Dr. in Athens.
No one was injured in the blaze that started in the back bedroom of the residence. Athens Fire Chief John McQueary said the resident had been staying with her sister and was not at home at the time of the blaze. The cause of the fire is under investigation. -
Radio Club plays the field
CQ ... CQ ... CQ ... This is what you will hear this coming Saturday and Sunday, June 22 and 23, when the Athens Amateur Radio Club once again participates in the annual Amateur Radio Relay League’s (ARRL) National Field Day event.
-
Retired teachers get raise, fund solvency
During the final days of the 83rd Legislative Session, the Texas House approved the Teacher Retirement Actuarial Soundness Bill, or SB 1458, which will put the Teachers Retirement System on solid ground for years to come.
-
Time to have a blast
The annual Fourth of July fireworks show at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) is coming up on Thursday, July 4. The show will last about one-half hour and is one of the biggest in East Texas.
The fireworks show is directed and produced by Alpha-Lee Enterprises, Inc. of Liverpool, Texas. The show is a Keep Athens Beautiful event. -
Easy there, big fella
Athens bullrider Kody Ingham hangs on during the opening round of the 2nd Annual Juneteenth Black Rodeo held at the Henderson County Fairpark Complex Friday night.
-
NISD to vote on Wooten
BROWNSBORO — Kenneth Wooten, Brownsboro High School’s principal since 2007, is set to be voted on regarding the vacant principal’s position at Nacogdoches ISD.
-
One step closer
The Athens Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors and Athens Mayor Jerry Don Vaught are excited to announce with Med-Logics, Inc. the location of a new facility in Athens.
-
A first for the county
Henderson County has its first licensed foster care and adoption agency.
Lifeline Children and Family Services has opened a location in Gun Barrel City. Lifeline CFS may be new to Gun Barrel City, but it has been licensed by the State of Texas for 10 years. -
Beetle infestation in county
If you’ve noticed some big black bugs gathering outside your home or crawling along the carpet, you’re just seeing evidence of the large number of ground beetles now in East Texas.
“The ground beetles are not rare, but the population of them that we’re seeing now is uncommon,” Henderson County AgriLife Extension Agent Rick Hirsch said. “This is the heaviest population of ground beetles that I’ve seen in my 20-plus years in Henderson County.” - More Local News Headlines
-
Raw: German President Welcomes President Obama
Fans Cheer Dramatic Heat Comeback
Raw: Arizona Wildfire Scorches 8 Square Miles
Hoffa Mystery Still Fascinates After 4 Decades
Raw: 1 Dead in Shooting at Mo. Apartment Complex
Raw: Huge Fire Near Yosemite National Park
Raw: Obama Arrives in Berlin
3 Charged in Ohio With Enslaving Mom, Daughter
Obama Seeks G-8 Support on Syria
Raw: Volcano Erupts Near Mexico City
Kid Couture: Spending Big Bucks on Babies
Suicide Bombs Target Baghdad Mosque, Killing 29
Military Plans to Put Women in Combat Jobs
Solar Power Chargers in NYC Parks
Civil Rights Groups Sue NYPD Over Muslim Spying
Raw: First Lady, Daughters Enjoy Irish Sights
RAW: NSA Director Says 50 Plots Foiled
Boeing, Airbus Battle for Sales Supremacy
