The Way I See It
By Joseph C. Phillips

Jonesing For Chocolate

I used to roll my eyes at parents that forced health food onto children at school functions. I used to think they were nothing but a bunch of meddlesome, party pooping Killjoys. Well, as I look around at the overweight kids waddling around my sons' schools I now count myself among the ranks of the party poopers. Pass the crudités!

As my sons get older (and bigger), it becomes clear that as parents we are at war.

According to the National Institutes of Health, since 1976 the percentage of overweight and obese children has doubled. Children with a body mass index at or above the 95 percentile for height and sex are considered overweight. The BMI is not a perfect measure. More muscular bodies will register a higher BMI and this has led some to claim the case is being overstated. Discussions about the folly of the BMI can rage on till the cows come home and it won't change a thing. We know fat kids when we see them!

Government commissions convened to address the problem are terrific, but the battle ultimately lies with parents to win or lose. My wife and I try and run a tight ship. We make an effort to serve healthy meals, keep our children active and limit junk food. At times, however, it seems we are fighting an uphill battle. During Halloween, the kids bring home bags of candy from school parties. They then go out trick or treating and bring home buckets more. One month later, there is Thanksgiving feasting replete with all sorts of sweets. Following close behind is the Christmas season when it is officially “On!” Caramel, peppermint, candied fruit in addition to eggnog, rum balls and more feasting. Valentines day creeps up and more bags of candy arrive from school. Saint Patty's day follows and then Easter with creamed eggs and huge chocolate bunnies. I haven't even mentioned lollipops from the doctor's office, birthday parties each weekend or the occasional candy bar from the local drug store. I feel like a DEA agent in my own home. I have begun frisking my sons at the door and will soon begin random backpack searches.

I joke but this is serious business. Recent years have seen a sharp increase in children with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels, which can lead to an increased risk of heart disease. Overweight children suffer higher incidence of orthopedic problems, liver disease, and asthma and have a 70% risk of becoming overweight adults. As a child that struggled with weight issues, I also know the price kids pay for being overweight is not only physical. The social and emotional cost can also be tremendous resulting in depression and poor self-esteem.

The child I worry about the most is my youngest. He has a sweet tooth the size of Texas. I threatened to cut him off cold turkey. He began to tremble.

“No, Daddy. Please.”

“Do you know what cold turkey means?”

After a pause, “No.”

The other day I came downstairs just as he was finishing a quiet conversation with his mother. I heard him whisper to her, “C'mon Momma. Help me out!”

I may as well confess that as concerned as I am for the kids and their health, I am most worried about myself. When it comes to sweets in general and chocolate in particular, I have no self-control so I suppose my son comes by it honestly. My kids have me to tell them when enough is enough. Who will stop me? I will leap over my wife to get to a chocolate covered toffee bar. I wrestle my sons for peanut butter cups! Dark, white or milk chocolate, it makes no difference. I have to have it. Late at night, I sneak through my sons' stashes swiping all the good stuff! I tell you I need intervention!

Send me your ways of seeing it at Josephcp@netlistings.com