Teaching Kids to Read Food Labels

The Food and Drug Administration is trying to get the word out that children should learn to read the nutrition labels of the food they eat. The department is turning to this tactic as more and more children and young adults struggle with obesity. The thought is if children know more about the food they’re eating, they will make better choices as they get older. There are other steps being taken as well. Many states are starting to take a more aggressive role dealing with food choices being given to schools. The hope is limiting food options to more healthy choices may lead to both short-term and long-term changes.

We always appreciate your comments and suggestions.  For more information, please go to www.123MyMD.com.   

Read the Ingredients in Food, Not Just the Food Label

Eating healthy may take more than just reading the food label.  It's easy for food labels to fool you if you don't know exactly what you're looking for.  The packaging and the wording are precisely constructed.  Here’s an example.  If you're walking through the bread aisle and you see wording on a label such as "heart healthy" or "100% whole wheat," it might be correct, but do yourself a favor...turn to the back and read the ingredients.  Reading the ingredients is more important than reading the label.  If you read the ingredients, not just the label, you will find you will be making better choices.  This is certainly an art that you have to develop over time.  Try to understand what you're doing, take your time, and do it slowly.  It will make a big difference.

We always appreciate your comments and suggestions.  For more information, please go to www.123MyMD.com.   

Study Looks at Parents of Obese Kids

A University of Michigan study looked at the fact that many parents are not aware that their children are obese despite the fact they’re extremely overweight. It gained a great deal of attention because many looking at the issue from the outside wondered how can a parent not know an obese child has a weight problem? But this is not that unexpected. Parents are often the most objective appraisers of their children. Sometimes they are, sometimes they’re not. Whether it’s sports, academics, or appearance, parents will see what they want to see. For that reason, we have to be careful in those evaluations.

We always appreciate your comments. 

For more information, please go to www.123MyMD.com.