Answers to Children's Nutrition
and Wellness Survey

25% Are Overweight (with 17%Obese)
90% Lack Magnesium which is needed for muscles, bones and teeth
30% Lack Iron needed for energy and healthy blood cells
50% Lack Zinc needed for healthy skin, lungs and metabolism
25% Had No Fruits Or Vegetables In A Day
20% Lack Calcium needed for healthy immunity, bones, teeth and organs

And what are the excuses for why a child does not eat properly
“Picky eater”—How did he become that way, or who else is a picky eater?
“Too Complicated” –Mother nature can never steer you wrong-natural organic fruits and vegetables are never a bad choice
“Eating well takes too much time” How can we not spend time being healthy?  Is there anything more important? How long does it take to peel a banana or wash an apple?
“Eating well costs too much?” What are the costs for doctors, ER visits, loss of work?  Go to local farmers markets for your best deals


AND WHO HAS THE MOST INFLUENCE OF HOW A CHILD EATS—THE PARENTS

Parents Getting It Together
The parents have to a unified partnership in creating good health and wellness for their children.  There is nothing more important than them being role models.

Children and Disease
Today children are getting diseases that were never heard of when we were children.   When I was first a pharmacist in 1983 only 2 or 3 older people had type 2 diabetes, now an estimated 50,000 children are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes—and these are children in the healthcare system imagine those who do not have access to proper nutrition and healthcare who probably have type 2 diabetes.  
Behavior Relates to Nutrition
The American Journal of Psychiatry published a study that shows children who experience malnutrition (which could be a wealthy or poor child) had increased behavioral disorders and aggressive behavior as they grow older. The study looked at children between the ages of 8 and 17 years, and found those who suffered certain nutritional deficiencies demonstrated a 41% increase in aggression by age 8. At age 17, they demonstrated a 51% increase in violent and antisocial behaviors.
The study found malnourished children did not have enough zinc, iron, B vitamins and protein. The nerves need B vitamins and good proper fats to operate properly, and nervous system controls mental and emotional health.
Obesity Translates to Severe Health Problems

Almost 25% of today’s children are overweight with 17% considered obese. This represents a 200% increase over the past 20 years.  Obesity increases the risk of many diseases and health conditions. These include—
•    Coronary heart disease
•    Type 2 diabetes
•    Cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)
•    Hypertension (high blood pressure)
•    Dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides)
•    Stroke
•    Liver and Gallbladder disease
•    Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
•    Osteoarthritis (a degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint)
•    Gynecological problems (abnormal menses, infertility)