The hot topic today is not the economy, although many would argue with me on that opinion, but instead it is childhood obesity. New statistics say childhood obesity is the most alarming public health issue facing the world today. Instead of worrying that our kids may pay for the economic deficit, think about the fact that they may be contributing to the economic burdan. Healthcare costs are going up and if we do not start concentrating on disease prevention, all of us will be in a world of hurt.

Did you know that the prevalence of pediatric obesity has greatly increased over the past several decades, affecting both males and females among all racial and ethnic groups, and bringing with it comorbidities that were only observed in adults in the past? Most likely not! And to make matters worse, obesity in the pediatric population tracks into adulthood. Obese children have a 70% chance of becoming obese adults, and this risk increases to 80% if one or both parents are also obese.

What are parents to do? First off, lifestyle modifications! I don't want to be a pessimist, but compliance is often poor and results may be minimal. Thus, many adolescents are turning to bariatric surgery as a treatment for obesity and its complications. Can you imagine taking your 9-yr old child in for bariatric surgery because of his/her obesity??

Let's start over. We can make a change. Everyone can do this. Prevention of obesity in children should be the first line of treatment. This begins with modification of dietary and exercise habits. Decreasing portion sizes, decreasing high calorie food and drinks, and decreasing snacks are the most common dietary recommendations for obese children.

If you feel like these recommendations are difficult......you're right on! My suggestion is to get help.......get a nutritionist, get a trainer, join a support group! There is help for everyone. Let's start changing these statistics. Let's make Americans strong again. Let's live to see this economic burdan turn into an economic success!

Back to the whole grain issue. I have had a few more questions of late, so I will expand on this topic. First, whole grain, unprocessed carbohydrates, offer the following benefits:

--They’re high in fiber, helping us maintain a healthy GI tract
--They’re slow to digest, helping us control blood sugar
--They’re loaded with vitamins and minerals, improving our nutrient density
--They’re satisfying, helping us control appetite

As a result of these benefits, whole grain, unprocessed carbohydrate sources tend to be handled better, versus the more heavily processed starchy carbohydrate sources such as breads, pastas, rices, crackers, and cereals.

Second, just because a food package says “whole grain,” that doesn’t mean the product is a whole grain food. When I recommend whole, unprocessed carbohydrate sources, I’m recommending unprocessed foods that, in their entirety, are comprised of whole grains.....not foods that are highly processed (like breads, cereals, crackers, snacks, etc). And, not foods that have a light sprinkling of processed grains - included for marketing purposes, not for health purposes.

Examples of whole grain, unprocessed carbohydrates are the following:

--Plain full flake or steel cut oats
--Plain amaranth
--Plain quinoa
--Plain millet
--Plain wheat berries
--Plain barley
--Plain wild rice

If you’re not sure where to pick up your whole grains, grocery stores and supermarkets with bulk food sections usually have a decent selection.

Get cooking!