Elizabeth Brotherton
Blog Post List
December 6, 2012
It can be tough to eat healthy during the holidays. Coworkers bring sugar cookies to the office, a neighbor drops off a pie as a gift – and then there are all those treats served during holiday parties. There’s a lot of talk about all the extra calories Americans consume during the holiday season, and for good reason. But what many people might not realize that many of our nation’s schools serve up unhealthy snacks all year long, and it’s having a big impact on the health of our young people. Students in the United States consume almost 400 billion calories from junk food sold in schools each...
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September 6, 2012
As moms and dads across the country prepare to send their little ones back to school this fall, they can be comforted knowing that the meals their children will be served will be healthier than ever. But many parents might be shocked to learn that their kids might still be able to get their hands on unhealthy chips, candy, soda and other junk food — and their school could be selling it to them. New nutritional guidelines being implemented this school year by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will increase the number of nutritious whole grains, fruits and vegetables served in school...
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April 20, 2012
All parents want what is best for their children, and all parents want to see their children succeed. Unfortunately, the childhood obesity epidemic means that about one-third of children and teens are now overweight or obese, putting them at risk for a lifetime of health problems such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and even some cancers. It’s not the type of future any mom wants for her child. But the future isn’t set. We can still reverse this epidemic and provide a healthier future for kids everywhere — and like so many things, this effort begins at school. Some...
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August 3, 2011
Childhood obesity is a dangerous epidemic, as more than one-third of American children are now overweight or obese. Many of these kids will develop life-threatening conditions such as type-2 diabetes because of their unhealthy weight — some even before they graduate high school. Everyone from First Lady Michelle Obama and former President Bill Clinton to professional athletes and P.T.A. moms are looking at ways to reverse this disturbing trend, with advocates pushing to make school lunches healthier and provide more time for physical activity. Helping more moms breastfeed for the first year...
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July 12, 2011
Ever watch the commercials that come on during the shows your kids watch? Chances are you will see ads for sugary cereals, sugar-sweetened beverages and salty fast food. But let’s be honest: That’s probably not a big surprise to you. Food and beverage companies have been hawking unhealthy stuff to kids for years, and it’s one of the reasons why 23 million children and teenagers in the United States are overweight or obese. What might come as a shock is that food marketers no longer are just sticking to television. These days, companies reach children through new media, including their cell...
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