Obesity increases, Town of Tonawanda takes steps against it

“Being overweight is as American as eating a whole apple pie,” said Stephen Colbert.

Colbert isn’t far off his mark with sedentary habits falling upon adults. More than 78 million United States adults were obese in 2010, said the National Center for Chronic Disease (CDC).

Adults may have a problem, but that’s not the biggest fear. If children take on the same habits as their elders they can become obese at a more rapid rate. Obesity in children is a troubling issue; the extra pounds often lead children to the path of health problems.

“Among children and adolescents aged 2 to 19, more than five million girls and approximately seven million boys were obese,” said the CDC

According to the Mayo Clinic Staff, the most commonly occurring health problems for obese children are diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, poor self-esteem and depression.

The Town of Tonawanda has created three sport programs for children and parents, these include: Smart Start Golf, Start Smart Football and Smart Start Development program. These programs could help curve childhood obesity locally. All programs are aimed at parents who want to help their child with basic motor skills such as, kicking, catching, throwing and batting.

Registration is ongoing at the Youth, Parks, and Recreations Department for Smart Start Development program until Aug. 29, both Start Smart Football and Smart Start Golf registration began July 30.

Not only has the town created a program for children’s health, Tim and Tricia Hirschbeck created a program called KidsPlay. Since 1991 KidsPlay has taught soccer, NFL flag football, baseball, basketball and floor hockey, with a teamwork atmosphere. KidsPlay teaches an average of 5,800 children each year.

The program has a unique partnership with school districts, which allows them to use districts fields and gyms in Kenmore-Tonawanda, Williamsville, Clarence, West Seneca, Amherst, Startpoint, Lockport, North Tonawanda and Pendleton.

Sports programs are extremely helpful, but will not completely solve obesity in children.

Parents are the solution to childhood obesity. Many parents that have a sedentary habit should become more active and eat healthy.

If they do, their children will follow suite because the adult is their first role model.

Keeping children away from abundant amounts of sugary drinks, fast food and television time will decrease chances for overweight or obesity.