Childhood Obesity (some progress, thanks to WIC)

++  Childhood obesity rates in the USA are leveling off, according to a report recently released by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control/Prevention).  They suggest that changes in WIC* policies a few years ago have contributed to this.

They are alluding to a change in the food packages available to WIC participants. Only specific foods are allowed.  National health needs (including fitness and weight control) influence the guidelines for determining which foods are on the list and the maximum amounts allowed per person.  These guidelines are updated periodically.  There were major changes in 2009.  Those new guidelines included routinely providing whole milk (full-fat) only to children 12-24 months old; emphasizing whole grain products over "white"; and reducing the amount of juice provided, allowing certain fruits and vegetables instead. Part of the rationale for this is that people tend to be unaware of how many calories they drink.  Besides, a person feels full longer (and is less likely to overeat) when eating less-refined foods.  

take home message:  If these changes work for children in a large government program, it's likely that they would work in your home, too. Isn't it worth a try?

* WIC is short for Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.  The program provides eligible participants with services such as health and dietary screening, nutrition education, and a specific "package" of foods.  Roughly 1/3 of all the infants and children under 5 years old in the USA receive WIC benefits at some time in their lives. 

World Breastfeeding Week - worth noticing

Here is a re-post from WHO (the United Nations World Health Organization).

World Breastfeeding Week

1-7 August 2013

 

 

Celebrated every year in more than 170 countries, World Breastfeeding Week aims to encourage breastfeeding and improve the health of babies around the world. It commemorates the Innocenti Declaration made by WHO and UNICEF policy-makers in August 1990 to protect, promote and support breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding is the best way to provide newborns with the nutrients they need. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for newborns up to 6 months of age, with continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond.
This year's theme is "Breastfeeding Support: Close to Mothers", highlighting breastfeeding peer counselling, an approach that tackles the sharp decline in breastfeeding rates and practices in the weeks or months after delivery, particularly exclusive breastfeeding.

 http://www.who.int/topics/breastfeeding/en/index.html