Living Life To Its Fullest

It is hard to believe that it was nearly a month ago that we rang in the new year with lofty resolutions and goals for the year to come.  Did it ever occur to you to help your child set goals for the new year?  Or to create a resolution for a healtier diet for your child?

Statistics say that more than 16% of youth ages 2 to 19 in the United States are considered obese.  "Occupational therapy offers structured intervention and support for the management of obesity with a holistic and unique focus on occupation and daily life activities" (Yamkovenko, aota.org).  An obvious way to influence your child's health is to control what enters their bodies.  My attention was sparked by a recent article published on the Livestrong TM website about the "Top 10 Worst Foods for Kids to Eat."  The article lists hot dogs, soda, sticky candy, doughnuts, pre-packaged lunch kits, sugary breakfast cereals, microweable meals, juice drinks, toaster pastries, and french fries as the culprits. 

Not only can these foods contribute to an unhealthy weight and decreased cardiovascular health, but they can also create other issues for children with special needs.  Quite obviously, many of these items are full of sugar, which creates bursts of energy and subsequent "crashes."  This kind of labile energy can be extremely difficult for a child with sensory processing disorder, ADHD, or autism.  Their differences in sensory processing can leave them confused and irritated when trying to sort through the changing energy they are feeling.

Now, I'll admit, many of these items were regulars in my pantry when I was younger and perhaps they're in your house right now.  It is never too late, however, to  make a healthy adjustment to  your family's habits and the fresh, new year is a perfect time to try!

If you have more concerns about the your child's weight or sensory processing, seek a professional.  A nutrionist can provide more information on how to build a healthy diet for your child and occupational therapists and physical therapists can help you find fun, meaningful exercises that will keep your child active and in an optimal state of arousal.

Happy New Year to a happier, healthier you and family!


You can find the Livestrong TM article mentioned above at: http://www.livestrong.com/article/70149-top-worst-foods-kids-eat/?utm_source=jannewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=100126