obesity

Erich C. Nall  |   OW Contributing Columnist
Mar 25 2010

“Family, the Solution to Obesity”

In today’s ultimate transformation moment, the focus is on the third and final piece of our solution to obesity. It is family.
Previously, we discussed lowering our caloric intake, and secondly, we looked at the importance of exercise.  In this week’s piece, which I believe may be the most important one, we will discuss the importance of communication within the family.

Cynthia E. Griffin-  |   OW Managing Editor
Mar 25 2010

Kaiser study, President focus on obese children

Kaiser Permanente has published a study in the “Journal of Pediatrics” which found that 12 percent of African American teen girls and 11.2 percent of Hispanic boys are extremely obese. The study of 7,109,949 youth ages 2-19 years old also found that, in general, 7.3 percent of boys and 5.5 percent of girls are considered extremely obese. The study is the first to provide a snapshot of the prevalence of extreme obesity in a contemporary group of youth that is also ethnically and racially diverse.

Brittney M. Walker  |   OW Staff Writer
Mar 25 2010

Exploring your options

Some of us have had that moment in our lives when we take a good look at ourselves in the mirror, grab our fat back, extra belly fat, and rubbing thighs and say, “I wish I could just cut it off!” Even if you really did decide to get it cut off, melt it, or suck it out, with all the horror stories we have heard, lipo just won’t cut it. No pun intended. When dieting and exercise has not been a consistent pursuit or has not reaped the desired results, other options start to look appealing.

Erich C. Nall  |   OW Contributing Columnist
Mar 18 2010

The exercise key to obesity

Our ultimate transformation moment continues providing solutions to obesity. The first week, our solution focused on parents taking control of their families and setting guidelines in the areas of lowering the caloric intake of the family by grocery shopping and preparing healthier foods in the home.
Next, we focus on exercise, as a form of burning calories and promoting better health. We must make the time in our busy lives to exercise on a regular basis. Regular exercise should occur at least three times per week, for a minimum of 45 minutes.

Erich C. Nall  |   OW Contributing Columnist
Mar 4 2010

Family time can fight obesity

We are facing a tremendous problem in our country today, and it  is even more prevalent in African American and Latino communities. The problem is obesity. Statistics indicate that 16-33% of adolescent children between ages 4-13 are considered obese. The rate of obesity among teenagers from ages 13-17 is already at 30%. By the end of 2010, 40% of our children will be considered obese or overweight. Obesity leads to many ailments that children in the above groups are experiencing such as early diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and very high cholesterol levels.

Across Black America

Here’s a look at African American people and issues making headlines throughout the country.

California
San Diego college students and volunteers will carry out their sixth home restoration project on Wednesday, July 10 through Sunday, July 14. as part of the “Healing our Heroes’ Homes” (H3) program created by the nonprofit Embrace. The five-day effort will take place at the home of medically retired Marine Corps Capt. Sarah Bettencourt. Bettencourt served with many different units across the country during the Global War on Terrorism and developed a rare neurological disorder in 2008. With a focus to restore the homes of disabled veteran homeowners, H3 falls in line with Embrace’s mission to mobilize college-student volunteers and community members to serve less fortunate members of civilian and veteran communities. The project for the Bettencourts’ home includes kitchen and bathroom remodeling, building ADA-compliant disability ramps, widening their driveway to ADA standards, widening doorways and landscaping.
 
District of Columbia
The 2013 Smithsonian Folklife Festival will showcase its five-year community research project on African American identity with the program “The Will to Adorn: African American Diversity, Style, and Identity.” This multicity collaboration examines the history and culture of the aesthetics of African Americans. The festival will be held June 26-30 and July 3-7, outdoors on the National Mall between Seventh and 14th streets. “Whether we realize it or not, we are all dress artists. The way we compose our look is a creative expression of our ideas about who we are and who we aspire to be,” said Diana N’Diaye, program curator. “This program explores the diversity of African American traditions of style, but also teaches young people the importance of documenting their own culture and saving that information for themselves and future generations.”