Daily News
by Jennifer Johnson
Childhood obesity is a nationwide epidemic that has been on the rise for a number of years. When convenience foods are consumed at a higher rate and lives are more sedentary, the incidence of childhood obesity naturally increases.
A 2007 survey by the Center for Disease Control reported 10 percent of North Dakota children in grades 9-12 were found to be overweight, and nearly the same was found in the Fargo area, which covers Richland County. Nearly 50 percent of students statewide and in the Fargo area were trying to lose weight. Data was not immediately available for Wilkin County in Minnesota.
Pediatricians recommend only two hours be spent watching computer or television a day.
An active lifestyle is of the utmost importance in keeping the pounds down, but another key is our perception of food.