New Websites to Check Out December 31, 2008
Posted by Marilyn in Uncategorized.Tags: diets, healthy fast food, Yum Brands
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I went MIA last week to enjoy my Christmas vacation. I come back, and there’s so much that I want to share with you!
Check out these two websites that I’ve come across, and let me know what you think:
I don’t really approve of “dieting”, but most of these sound like they focus on a lifestyle change. Have you tried any of these? If so, what did you think?
Healthier fast food options. While I would say that fast food is never a great choice, there does come a time when we’re stressed, busy and out of alternatives. Wouldn’t it be nice to know that there are healthier options at the drive through?
Tax on Obesity? December 19, 2008
Posted by Marilyn in current events.Tags: David Paterson, obesity tax, soda
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That’s what the governor of New York is proposing. See his argument here.
My first inclination was to be appalled and offended. After reading through his argument, however, I see that he makes some good points. I don’t know about the feasibility of taxing sugary soft drinks, although their inclusion in one’s diet can make weight gain almost inevitable. I do support the idea of putting extra money generated by the tax toward public health programs. There is a desperate need for educational programs to teach people how to take care of themselves. We can ban, tax and regulate everything under the sun, but until we inform people, we’ll never solve the problem. We’ll only treat the symptoms.
What do you think?
Biggest Loser Phenomenon December 18, 2008
Posted by Marilyn in Uncategorized.2 comments
I will admit it. I really like The Biggest Loser. When I first heard about the concept years ago, I was a little put off. Why subject people who have such obvious body issues to a very public weight loss? Why exploit a real health issue for entertainment’s sake?
Then, one night I was bored, and it was on. All of my prejudices flew out the window. After that hour, I was inspired, impressed and enlightened. I’ve tuned in to several seasons off and on, and my favorite part is the end of the show when you see the drastic changes. You can tell that the weight gain (and subsequent loss) is about so much more than an uncontrollable food habit. Not only that, but the trainers really seem to incorporate a nutritional element in there, in addition to the hours of exercise that the teams endure.
I bring this up because the Biggest Loser finale was last night. You can see all of the contestants’ before and after shots, as well as read about the winner (or…loser? sorry, I couldn’t resist) here. Tell me–have you watched the Biggest Loser? If so, what do you think?
Summer Camp in December? December 5, 2008
Posted by Marilyn in children's obesity.Tags: Blast Wellness, Camp Shining Stars, children's obesity, exercise, fitness, Healthy Children Foundation, Ira Green, weight loss
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I mentioned in my first post that I had previously worked at a weight loss camp. I wanted to take the time to share that experience with you, as the director has moved on to other great healthy lifestyle programs for kids.
Ever since watching MTV’s I’m at Fat Camp, part of the True Life series, I wanted to become a counselor at a weight loss camp. In the summer of 2004, I got my chance, working at Camp Timber Creek. It was one of the hardest, most demanding jobs I’ve ever had. I was a direct counselor over girls ages 10-12, but I also acted as a lifeguard and presided over free time activities in the evenings. I had prepared myself for the physical aspect of it—working long, hot summer days, cheering kids on and joining in on sports games that I had no idea how to play.
What I didn’t prepare for were the emotional side effects of obesity, especially with children who are already at a fragile age in the development cycle. One of the most common answers I got when I asked girls what was wrong or if I could help was, “You wouldn’t understand. You’ve never been fat.” What I tried to come back with was, “Well, that’s true. But I have understood what it’s like to be sad, angry, hopeless, confused and picked on. I can help if you’ll let me.” Sometimes it worked, other times, the solution was to stop pushing and just be there when I was needed.
I think what made that job so hard was the constant emotion that was running through the camp. There was a continuous roller coaster of feelings ranging from excitement to downright frustration. At the same time, it was so extremely rewarding to watch the kids complete a mile run for the first time, to compare weight loss during weigh-in and to vow to never put the weight on again. The oldest boy in the camp during my summer was 17 and was too overweight to join the armed forces, which was a dream of his. At the end of the summer, he was the male camper with the largest amount of weight loss. I never heard whether or not he joined the armed forces, but I hope that he followed every single one of his dreams.
Camp Timber Creek was founded by Ira Green and is now Camp Shining Stars. Ira is now heading up several other weight loss programs for kids. He has truly dedicated his life to helping children learn how to live healthy lifestyles. Ira is also the founder of Blast Wellness, a fitness facility for kids in Durham, NC, and the Healthy Children Foundation, which focuses on education and support for overweight children.
If your child is struggling with weight issues, and you’re looking for a summer camp, I suggest taking a look at Ira’s programs. If you’re in the Durham area, stop by Blast Wellness. Tell Ira I said hi!
