I was listening to the news the other day and heard a disturbing report about an Arizona school that presented an 'obesity letter' to a girl while she was in class.  What were they thinking?  They're obviously out-of-touch with the increase of bullying in schools.  The girl's mom stated that she worked very hard to help her daughter increase her self-esteem which has now plummeted since receiving the letter.  Note to school systems:  A degree doesn't mean you can actually run school,s teach, and relate to children.

What would you do if your child was presented with an obesity letter in front of the class?  Do you think it is better that the issue be addressed in private?  I believe the issue should be addressed in a manner that doesn't belittle or embarrass children!  There are other ways to handle the issue such as mailing letters or calling for a parent/teacher/administration conference.

A child doesn't do the grocery shopping, parents do.  You're responsible for the health and wellness of your children and this includes exercise and nutrition.  The excuse "I don't know" doesn't cut in anymore.  The weight-loss and health and wellness industry are multi-billion dollar industries.  Pickup any newspaper or magazine, and you'll find articles on diet and exercise.  If you're still not sure what to do, speak with your pediatrician or ask your child's school for help.

Question:  What's with the skyrocketing trend of 'disguising' vegetables?  Has it comes to this?  Parents must disguise fruits and vegetables otherwise children won't eat them.  Who's the parent?

You must know that eating fast food 7-days a week isn't healthy.  You must know that little or no exercise isn't good for any body.  Take an interest in your family's health.  Believe it or not, shopping at farmers markets can save you money and organic foods don't cost that much.

Make breakfast, lunch, and dinner fun.  Get your kids involved in the grocery shopping and preparation of meals.  Have them try foods before they automatically say they don't like it.  As my father used to say to me, "How do you know you don't like it if you didn't try it?"  He's right.  I still don't like or eat fish or bananas, but I tried these foods only to find out I don't like how they smell or taste.

It's not too late to turn back the hands of time on obesity.  If you love your family, you'll do what it takes to increase their exercise and make sure they eat healthier foods.  Believe it or not, you can still eat foods like macaroni and cheese, fried chicken, pizza, and other favorites.  All you have to do is prepare them differently -- they still taste good!