Is Technology Killing Our Children?

When you have seen as many statistics about health as I have, it’s hard to be surprised; but I saw one today that was not only surprising, it was stunning! Data collected by the Kaiser Family Foundation indicated that kids under the age of 18 are spending between 8.5 and 13 hours a day using mobile devices, computers, TV’s and other media. Up to 13 hours a DAY! Asian American kids spend the most time, 13 hours and 13 minutes African Americans and Hispanics next at 13 hours and Caucasian kids used media about 8.5 hours a day.

A couple of weeks ago Adam wrote a blog entitled Sitting Comparable to a Slow Death. He pointed out that while lack of exercise is a major health issue, the real plague is general physical inactivity. This new data suggests that is only getting worse. As hard as it is to believe, some kids spend virtually all of their waking hours using media devices. If this continues, the prediction that children born today may be the first in American history to not outlive their parents will almost certainly come true.

As many of you probably know, First Lady Michelle Obama has targeted childhood obesity as one of her major areas of concern. She is the spokesperson for the program entitled “Let’s Move.” The web site has a lot of good information and suggestions to not only get and keep kids moving, but on eating healthier as well.

Speaking of eating well, as you have no doubt heard, the Food Pyramid has been retired. The new icon for healthy eating is a plate. About half the plate should be fruits and vegetables, about 25% grains, and the remaining 25% lean protein. That meal is complemented with a glass of 1% or skim milk. If that sounds familiar, we have been referring to a similar graphic by the American Institute for Cancer Research called the New American Plate for the last few years. Interestingly, the American Diabetes Association recently dropped their food pyramid in favor of a plate as well. For information about the new icon and a wealth of information to help you implement its recommendations, check out the ChooseMyPlate website.

[caption id="attachment_5757" align="alignnone" width="150" caption="H3 Design - from AICR"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5760" align="alignnone" width="150" caption="New MyPlate Design"][/caption]