Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Let’s face it: Children are getting fatter, and as the obesity rate rises in this nation, so too does heart disease. Years ago, in my neighborhood, I used to watch the children get off the school bus, dump their books and go outside to play until it was dinner time. Now they get off the bus, run into the house and get sucked into a vortex of technology, playing video games, being on the Internet for hours and consuming fast foods that are high in sugar, salt, fats and calories.

While it is unusual for children to die of a heart attack unless there is a congenital abnormality, children now are at increased risk of heart disease.

Childhood obesity in this country is growing at an alarming rate. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, between 16 and 33 percent of children and teenagers are obese. There has been a sharp rise is obesity-related problems like type 2 diabetes, which was previously only seen in adults, and there has also been a rise in heart problems.

Pediatric cardiologist Dr. Douglas Luxenberg said, “Five years ago, we used to see adolescents who had problems with hypertension and hypercholesteremia, but now we are starting to see it in elementary and middle schools.

“I now find that I am putting children as young as 12 and 13 on blood pressure medicine. The child now uses the medicine as a crutch and they don’t make any changes in their lifestyle.”

As obesity is on the rise in children, more of them are now at risk for atherosclerosis, the buildup of fat- and cholesterol-filled plaques inside the arteries of the body.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has revised its guidelines for cholesterol screening tests. The academy now says that even without a family history of heart disease, children should have their cholesterol levels tested between the ages of 9 and 11 and then again between the ages of 17 and 21 to reduce the risk of heart disease.

The most frustrating part of patient education for Luxenberg is dealing with getting parents to make a lifestyle change.
“They often want me to talk to their children about obesity or how to stop smoking, yet the parents are obese and smokers,” he said. “If the parents aren’t willing to make a lifestyle change, it’s going to be hard for the children to make a change.”

In that vein, Luxenburg likes Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s plan to limit the portion size of sugary drinks, saying, “It makes a lot of sense. If you make it more difficult to get to the unhealthy drinks, you will be less inclined to buy them. If you can limit easy access to extra calories, it’s not a bad idea.”

Dr. Donna Better, a pediatric cardiologist at Winthrop University Medical Center, helps run the Change Program, where overweight children exercise and meet regularly with a nutritionist for 12 weeks.

“Those kids are having success in losing weight in the first three months,” she said.

Luxenberg’s advice to parents: “If you show them that you can cook healthy, eat healthy, incorporate exercise and diet and be healthy, they will carry that into their adulthood and be healthy adults.”

Better agrees, but cautions against going too far. “Kids should be allowed to be kids,” she said. “If they want a soft drink or ice cream it’s OK, as long as it’s in moderation.”

Tips to Combat Childhood Obesity:

• Children should eat foods that are low in cholesterol and fat, limiting red meat.
• Eat more fish and chicken and avoid fried foods–grill, bake, or broil instead.
• Limit the amount of salt and sugar they eat.
• Increase their physical activity to at least 60 minutes a day.
• Limit TV and computer time.
• Control food portion sizes and have them eat fewer calories.
• Limit snacks and get healthy snack foods, not junk food.
• Be aware of the snacks they are eating at school as well as school lunches.
• Discourage smoking and, if you are a smoker, quit. 

Photo Courtesy of Wiki Commons

“The humor kind of escapes [him],” Mayor Bloomberg says of the “Million Big Gulp March” in protest of his proposed soda ban. This weekend New Yorkers for Beverage Choices took to the streets to urge Bloomberg to let them put what they want into their bodies.

Bloomberg referenced obesity and obesity-related deaths in the City, saying those who opt to drink that much sugar are merely killing themselves. He also pointed to an article in the Financial Times regarding whether the Olympics should be sponsored by McDonalds and Coca Cola, neither of which are exactly the image of health.

Bloomberg also cited statistics about hospitals having to accommodate larger individuals, reports Capital New York, to make a point about our nation’s obesity trajectory. The Mayor said obesity is going to be “worse than smoking ever was.”

Pictures of the protest in the Daily Mail show tons of children taking part in the demonstration, Big Gulp cups full of sugary liquid in hand. It’s what economists call “the law of unintended consequences,” or in layman’s terms: I’m going to do the exact opposite of what you tell me to do.

Bloomberg’s exasperated reaction to the protest of his downsizing campaign is a straightforward “let them kill themselves.”

—Alissa Fleck

Photo Courtesy of Wiki Commons

The City Council’s Committee on Education held a hearing today to discuss two proposed resolutions related to the Breakfast in the Classroom (BIC) program. BIC provides breakfast to children in city schools through one of two models: the hallway grab-and-go option or physical, in-classroom implementation.

(by Alissa Fleck)

One proposed resolution calls on the City’s Department of Education to support BIC in all schools, while the other calls on the State Legislature to pass legislation supporting BIC in every school in the City.

Council members and other advocates pushed for these resolutions as New York City has “the lowest school breakfast participation rate among low-income students across 26 large urban districts,” according to a statement by the Council. The City ranks last in terms of children with access to breakfast; currently less than four percent of kids in the City receive in-classroom breakfast.

Executive Director of the NYC Coalition Against Hunger Joel Berg presented these disconcerting statistics: 500,000 (1 in 4) NYC children reside in homes where breakfast is financially out of the question. The numbers are staggering.

“I understand disagreements on ideology and budget,” said Berg. “But the weight of the data here is overwhelmingly compelling.”

Berg also dispelled the powerful rumor amongst the Department of Health, Mayor Bloomberg and some community members that the BIC program would promote childhood obesity, particularly in cases where children consumed breakfast at home and at school.

“What increases obesity is skipping meals,” said Berg. “This is a hunger crisis. No studies show extra breakfast promotes obesity.”

The Department of Education continues to defer to the DOH on the program, and while BIC is strongly supported by politicians like Speaker Quinn, advocates say the DOH does not appear willing to bend on its stance.

Matthew Nolte of the Greater New York Dietetic Association said registered dietitians support BIC, and cited the importance of breakfast in its ability to positively impact a student’s focus in the classroom. Nolte also pointed to the high rate of obesity (around 20%) that currently exists among children K-8 without the program in place.

Executive Director of the Hunger Action Network of NYS Mark Dunlea said a program like BIC would get the City $50 million in federal reimbursement, but Bloomberg continues to oppose it on the purported “second breakfasting” leads to obesity argument, which Dunlea calls an urban myth.

The USDA requirement for federal reimbursement supports a breakfast which meets guidelines for health and well-roundedness, explained Berg.

Nolte followed up by pointing out the main issue is not so much “second breakfasting” as a lack of quality nutrition in the home in the first place. The BIC program would provide nutritionally-sound meals so kids would not have to depend on what’s available—or not available—at home.

Another concern presented was that advertisement of the program may actually influence parents to feed their children less. Advocates responded by pointing to the numbers; where the program has been implemented, absenteeism has decreased and test scores have increased.

Councilmember Stephen Levin, a co-sponsor who spoke in support of the proposed resolutions, said providing breakfast is crucial in reducing absenteeism in the classroom. In support, Berg pointed to a case in a Bronx school where the BIC program was implemented—systematic tardiness was reduced from fifty-five students to just five.

Responding to criticism that BIC might cause disruption in the classroom, Levin pointed out he brought breakfast to the hearing and was not “making a mess or causing disruption.”

Councilmember Brad Lander joked only hobbits can eat too many breakfasts. “This is not a public health crisis,” he said. He added we need more teacher proponents and ambassadors to back these proposals.

“This is about the real world, not the theoretical food pyramid,” said Dunlea. “The needs of children must be placed higher.”

Upper East Side residents have also been outspoken about the ban. Some, like Amy Cameron, praise the mayor’s fight against obesity.

“I see the younger generation walking around with these sports drinks that they don’t even know have so much sugar in them. Then they wonder why they feel sluggish, or maybe put on a few pounds,” Cameron said. “Banning these drinks forces manufacturers to be held accountable.”

Bloomberg’s proposal would amend New York City’s health code to eliminate the sale of soda and other sugary and high-calorie drinks in containers larger than 16 ounces. Vendors found not to be complying would be fined about $200 per violation. If implemented, the restrictions would apply to restaurants, mobile food carts, movie theaters, delis and other eateries; convenience stores and supermarkets would be exempt.

Sweetened drinks with more than 25 calories per eight fluid ounces would be rendered taboo, while dairy drinks comprised of more than 50 percent milk or milk substitute, beverages containing at least 70 percent juice and diet sodas would still be available for large-volume consumption.

Kathy Rivera, a barista at a Starbucks on the Upper East Side, also said she is struck by the amount of sugar and calories young people consume in beverages alone.

“We have children come in here all the time and get venti [extra-large] drinks, and I don’t think it’s healthy for kids at 8 a.m. to be getting these drinks,” Rivera said. “I don’t think [the ban] is such a terrible idea.”

Still, some Upper East Siders argued that the ban, although promoting a positive goal, will be largely ineffective in curbing obesity. One resident, Fred, who declined to give a last name, said he supports the idea behind the proposal, but called its parameters “ridiculous.”

“I could just buy three of these,” he said, pointing to a can of soda. “They’re just banning the size, not how many. It’s absurd.”

Some nutritionists, including Dr. Jamie Kane of Park Avenue Medical Weight & Wellness, agree that the restriction on large sodas will be ineffective at reducing obesity rates in the city.

“People are still going to be addicted to sugary drinks…and there’s nothing stopping people from going back for seconds,” said Kane, a weight loss specialist who focuses on obesity. “I’m skeptical that this alone will have a major impact in the short-term.”

“Even if you’re not having the large beverages, there are other ways to get the calories,” added dietician and nutritionist Amy Fleishman. “I’ve applauded [Bloomberg’s] efforts in trying to make this a healthier neighborhood, but it’s a very specific way to fix the problem and I don’t think it’s going to solve the bigger picture.”

Still, Kane and other nutrition experts noted that the ban could serve to spark conversation and perhaps increase awareness of the city’s obesity problem.

“If it can help train people to expect smaller amounts, maybe that would be helpful,” Kane said.

Although the Department of Health puts the rate of adult obesity within the city at around 22 percent, Reuters reported in 2010 that obesity rates in a few of the city’s more affluent neighborhoods—including the Upper East Side—remain significantly lower, at around eight percent.

“I don’t think it will really affect people here. You don’t really see people walking around up here with those huge drinks,” said another Upper East Side resident.

Bloomberg’s proposal was submitted Tuesday to the New York City Board of Health, which will vote on its passage after a three-month deliberation period that will include public hearings. If approved, the ban would take effect early next year.

Actress Edie Falco with Sponge Bob

By Paul Bisceglio

New York’s tubbiest tabby has a new home.

Sponge Bob, the 30 lb. feline media sensation, made his debut with his new owners last week on the purple carpet at Animal Haven’s second annual Performance for the Animals benefit concert and auction at City Winery in Tribeca.

Two months ago, Sponge Bob’s previous owner went into hospice and left the nine-year-old cat with Animal Haven, a non-profit cat and dog shelter on Centre Street in Soho. The shelter started a blog about Sponge Bob to aid his adoption that won him instant fame last week, including press coverage in the UK and an appearance on the Today Show. He is likely the world’s largest living cat.

Sponge Bob now belongs to Courtney and Matthew Farrell, a young newlywed couple living on the Upper East Side. They hoisted Sponge Bob up for the cameras on the red carpet – no easy task, for sure – and shared hugs and kisses with the cat and each other while expressing their enthusiasm for the new member of the family

Mrs. Farrell said that she and her husband started to play with the idea of getting a cat once they were married, but did not want to bother with a kitten or anything too out of control. When she first read about Sponge Bob, she sent Mr. Farrell a picture as a joke. A few conversations later, they knew they had found the perfect match. They were amazed that he had not yet been adopted.

“We’re gonna whip him into shape,” promised Mr. Farrell when asked about the cat’s health. He and his wife both exercise regularly and believe in promoting healthy lifestyles.

“He’s already on a no carb diet,” Mr. Farrell added with a smile. “Catkins.”

Courtney and Matthew Farrell, the proud new parents of Spongebob the cat, pose on the purple carpet.

Kendra Mara, Animal Haven’s Associate Director, said that blood work done on Sponge Bob showed that he has no current health complications beyond obesity. Dangers of diabetes and arthritis persist, though, so it is essential for Sponge Bob to maintain a healthy weight loss routine, with the target of shedding about one pound per month.

Ms. Mara noted that Animal Haven had been careful not to over-sensationalize Sponge Bob’s Garfield-esque physique, and believes that his sudden fame has helped raise much-needed awareness of feline and pet obesity, a serious issue in the city.

The Farrells enjoyed their moment in the spot light, but packed Sponge Bob into his baby stroller and hit the road before the evening’s concert and auction began.

“He’s been through a lot,” they agreed while scratching his portly chin. “We just want to get him home.”

Follow Sponge Bob’s progress on his blog, spongebobthecat.com, and learn more about Animal Haven, its mission and pet ownership in the city at animalhavenshelter.org.

By Keysha Whitaker

Many women worry about how to take the weight off after a pregnancy, but according to many doctors, taking the weight off before a pregnancy might increase fertility, promote healthier pregnancies and healthier babies. Men could also increase their fertility by losing weight.

A study recently published in the British Medical Journal found a link between obesity and sexual behavior and adverse sexual outcomes. Obese men were more likely to report erectile dysfunction and less likely to report as many sexual partners as normal-weight men. Obese women were less likely to seek healthcare services for contraceptives and more likely to report unintended pregnancies.

Dr. Joel Batzofin, of Batzofin Fertility Services in Midtown, recognizes the gravity of conceiving when a mother’s body mass index—a metric calculation of mass according to weight and height—is too high.

“Getting a potential mother prepared for pregnancy is a big issue. If someone is too heavy, I don’t like to help them get pregnant, until we help them get ready to be pregnant,” said Batzofin, who encourages patients to lose weight by referring them to counseling and weight-loss services, which he also offers in-house.

Batzofin said pregnancy while obese can be plagued with a number of problems—including a high miscarriage rate, premature births, higher rate of neo-natal deaths, gestational diabetes, blood-clot formations and birth complications such as shoulder dystocia (when the baby’s head passes through the vagina but the shoulders get stuck behind the mother’s pubic bone). According to Batzofin, the latter occurs because the babies are often too large.

Batzofin said new studies show that children gestated in obese women may suffer Metabolic Syndrome in their adult life, an altered metabolic state which predisposes them to obesity and other conditions such as “diabesity,” a new term that explains the strong association between diabetes and obesity.

Overweight men also experience fertility challenges, including erectile dysfunction, low sperm count and low quality sperm due to hormonal imbalances or elevated scrotal temperatures that are not good for sperm production.

Dr. Carson Liu, a UCLA-trained bariatric surgeon, explained that obesity increases the production of an estrogen-like hormone, called estradiol, converted by peripheral fat in the body. In men, the change results in larger male breasts, loss of hair on the arms, legs and chest.

“They [men] basically have a lot more estrogen-like compounds circulating in their body that could decrease their libido and testosterone level,” said Liu. “Testosterone allows men to handle more pain and be more aggressive. In that sense they cannot handle discomfort as well.”

In women, a hormonal imbalance may trigger polycystic ovarian syndrome resulting in insulin resistance, a stop in ovulation and abnormal facial hair growth. “If the body is too thin or too heavy, it does not ovulate,” explained Liu.

Obesity offers health challenges outside of fertility issues. Liu said obese persons have a higher risk of co-morbidity, the presence of two or more disorders, often high blood pressure, diabetes and knee pain.

“It has been studied that the higher your body mass index is, the higher incidences of cancer and a lower rate of survival,” said Liu. “We think if you can treat the obesity you can prevent a lot of these medical illnesses.”

Batzofin said many obese people suffer from a number of mental challenges such as low self-esteem and depression, and focus all their energy on getting pregnant rather than becoming healthier. “A baby will make them feel better in a certain place, but a baby will not fix their weight problem,” said Batzofin, who acknowledges that addressing obesity is more than just telling a patient to slim down. “It requires treatment and working with professionals who are going to help them with their nutrition and their exercise, and maybe some people even need surgery to lose weight.”

According to Liu, people who diet only have less than a 1 percent chance of keeping the weight off. “All the randomized studies show the Lap-Band is more effective in getting weight off and keeping it off,” said Liu, referring to the adjustable gastric banding device that requires surgery.

But surgery is only the first step to reducing weight and increasing fertility. “The surgery takes 40 minutes, but if they don’t change their lifestyle—diet and exercise—it is highly likely they will fail,” said Liu.

By Lorraine Duffy Merkl

One of the two elevators in my building is out of commission and it’s the best thing that ever happened to me.

The lifts are getting a lift, if you will. I’m glad our board approved the improvement, but the working elevator has been programmed to start at the bottom (a.k.a. basement) and go all the way up to the top (21 stories) floor by floor, and then make its way back down again in the same fashion.

Since my motto is: Immediate gratification takes too long, it’s understandable why I’ve started taking the stairs. True it’s only four flights, and even then I’m still a little huffy and puffy when I reach my apartment, but I’m lovin’ it.

To think, free exercise has been literally right outside my front door, yet I ignored it to pay for formal workout equipment, which has included weights, kettlebells and elastic bands. Truth be told, no matter how gung-ho I was at first, in no time at all, boredom with the gadgets set in.

Until I “discovered” the stairs, my only saving grace has been that I love to walk and, luckily, our city streets, like Nancy Sinatra’s boots, are made for walkin’. It’s also apparently being recreated for climbing, riding and giving us some much-needed calisthenics, according to the book Active Design Guidelines Promoting Physical Activity and Health in Design, which was created by the collaborative efforts of New York’s health, planning, design and architecture agencies, as well as academic institutions from across the country. It’s available at www.nyc.gov/adg.

“The guidelines are a set of diverse best practices, both large and small, to enhance the health and quality of life for people in New York and elsewhere. They encourage professionals such as architects, urban planners, landscape architects and others to incorporate physical activity options into their designs,” said Department of Design and Construction Commissioner David J. Burney, FAIA.

A lay person can benefit from reading the guide as well. I was fascinated by how environmental design has always played a crucial role in improving public health. In 1857, the construction of Central Park provided open space and fresh air for a densely populated, urban landscape of dirty streets and disease-breeding tenements. In 1904, the subway helped disperse the population from overcrowded lower Manhattan.

Today, we’re hoping for a similar effect when the Second Avenue subway finally sees completion. The book also highlights already designed sites—such as The High Line Park—and programs like Summer Streets, where Park Avenue is closed off for biking, both of which promote keeping fit.

The main goal, of course, is to help fight obesity, especially for our city’s children, who need to learn that running after the Mr. Softee truck does not constitute exercise.

I also picked up a few design tricks from the book: prominent placement, natural light and artwork increase the appeal of a staircase; providing a secure bicycle storage room encourages daily ridership; and a brightly lit gym signals the importance of physical activity.

So now, if you meet someone who doesn’t think New York is a place where you can stay fit unless you pay thousands for a health club membership, just tell ’em to take a walk… or at least the stairs.

–
Lorraine Duffy Merkl’s debut novel, Fat Chick, from The Vineyard Press, is available at amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

This article first appeared in Womensenews.org