A Call to Action – Bringing Awareness to Childhood Obesity

Amidst cancer, diabetes, heart disease and other health problems that are on the rise and gaining exposure with many trying to educate the public about the seriousness of these issues, childhood obesity needs to be highlighted.

Parents may often not see a few “extra pounds” as anything to be worried about. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention obesity prevalence was 13.9% among 2- to 5-year-olds, 18.4% among 6- to 11-year-olds, and 20.6% among 12- to 19-year-olds. Childhood obesity is also more common among certain populations. Parents may often not see a few “extra pounds” as anything to be worried about.

Unfortunately, these same parents are not informed as to the immediate and long-term health risks that are posed to children who are overweight. Childhood obesity can be particularly scary as extra weight can put children at risk for serious medical concerns such as diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Besides the physical concerns, obesity often brings an impact on a child’s self-esteem as many experience depression as well.

The Solution

The United Way of Metropolitan Dallas shared this, “Teaching children to make healthy choices today enables them to make responsible choices for the rest of their lives.” Making healthy choices often times is a team effort. Parents that model making right choices will impact children as well. The Mayo Clinic reminds families that improving healthy habits for the whole family is the best place to start. There are many online tools that parents can use that help making choices easier and can make things fun for the kids too.

Here is a great resource for apps for children: https://www.seewhatgrows.org/10-best-health-nutrition-apps-kids/
This website has many kinds of free printable exercise cards that gets kids and families active: http://www.nourishinteractive.com/nutrition-education-printables/category/14-fitness-kids-exercise-active-children-physical-education
WOD Toys, http://www.wodtoys.com/ is a great company that offers products for kids to get them engaged in activity with Mom and Dad.

Drs. Joel Brook, Arroyo, and McClurkin at Dallas Podiatry Works are highly dedicated to educating patients about childhood obesity and the secondary foot problems that can arise as a result. If your child is experiencing any foot pain that you feel is due to an obesity problem, please contact us today in Dallas (972) 544-9725 or Plano (972) 360-0065.

The doctor has great “bedside manners” when talking to patients. Great staff and comfortable atmosphere.

Derrick W.

The staff at Dallas Podiatry Works could not have been more courteous, helpful, and professional in doing their job. They made me feel comfortable when I was there, which is certainly appreciated. They answered all the questions that I had and just made each visit the most pleasurable that it could be. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing this type of foot care.

Joseph B.

I would highly recommend Dr. Brook to anyone with foot problems–especially problems that stump other podiatrists. He really is very caring and very knowledgeable.

Jeannette H.

Dr. Joel Brook and the staff were nice and helpful. Though I was a new patient, I got right in as soon as they were open in my preferred location. They diagnosed the problem and provided medicines along with a perfect gel bandage so I could keep exercising while my toes healed. My toes already hurt less and look a little better each day. If I have future issues, I will be a repeat customer. Here’s hoping I don’t, but at least I know my feet are in good hands.

Meryl E.

I visited this office for an ingrown toe nail a few years ago. After seeing another doctor, who made it worse, he referred me to Dallas Podiatry Works. The doctor there was able to fix my problem. I’m not great with reviews, all I can tell you is that this doctor and staff will have you up and running or doing whatever it is you do in no time. You will be in great hands. You’d be a fool not to use this doctor. Now its time to visit him again for the other toe.

Google User

Been having bad ankle pains for 6 months was referred here and it was a great visit ladies in the front desk medical assistants and the Doctor were all very friendly and make you feel very comfortable.