How Can We Fix This?

So it's Friday afternoon and before I attempt to be social in any way I am decompressing with my DVR'd episode of the Biggest Loser from the other night. I don't always watch this show, but occasionally I will tape it when my favorite shows are doing reruns (Glee!? Come back!).

For those of you who don't watch it, this week the contestants went to Washington DC. At one point, they were talking to some Congress people (or someone in power I don't really remember who) about the problems with obesity in children. They mentioned the fact that obesity in children has become a lot larger problem in recent years.

Why I Think Kids are Getting Less Healthy

1. No one has enough money (or we are spending money on flat screen tvs and ipods), and unhealthy food cost less.

2. No one has enough time, and unhealthy food (frozen, processed etc) is quicker to prepare.

3. Kids are so busy doing homework (way too much!), piano lessons, religious education, etc etc they don't have enough time to just run around and get exercise.

4. Food being sold is getting more processed and filled with unhealthy ingredients every single day.

5. School lunch is just as disgusting as ever- chicken nuggets and pizza every day? hmm.

There are probably many other reasons I have not mentioned. On The Biggest Loser, they discussed education as a solution to the problem. I do think education is important. We need to teach kids how to eat healthy and active. However, we also have to educate parents because once the kids leave the classroom, we need these ideas reinforced at home.

However, we can't just educate by saying "eat well, it's important" or "be active, it's important." We have to literally show people how to eat healthy on a budget, or make time for exercise even in the most crazy day. And, how do we do this? How can you educate everyone?

As a teacher, I feel that I can take control of the active part. Recess is TOP priority in my classroom. Seriously. I never cut recess short for anything unless it is pouring rain, or dangerously cold. If a math lesson does not get done because we were at recess, that's fine with me (this doesn't happen often, I promise ha ha). I take "exercise" breaks throughout the day. I refuse to assign homework in kindergarten (even when all the parents ask for it) because I want the kids to go outside and PLAY.

But what about nutrition, what can I do about that? And also, what can we do for children who are already overweight without allowing them to fall into the unhealthy "diet" trap?

Another Manic Monday

Mondays are an insane day for me. But today it was made better by the fact that Eric had the day off for Yom Kippur which meant I came home to a clean kitchen, dishwasher emptied and our brand new silverware cleaned and organized. Oh how I love non-football Eric. Also, on the same note- the little girl I tutor on Mondays celebrates Yom Kippur which meant no tutoring. AND although I did not have the day off school, they did not schedule a faculty meeting so BAM- free time. Of course I did have a doctors appointment but something about sitting back and letting others do their job is a bit easier than me doing it. I got to end the day with spinning with 2 of my friends from work. One of the guys in the class was trying to get the instructor to do leg isolations for LONGER. My friend noted that he is totally like that guy in grad classes who is STILL asking questions when class is supposed to be over. Seriously. What is wrong with these people?

So today I had my first stomach doctor appointment. I probably should've had one of these 2 1/2 years ago when I was diagnosed with IBS...but I didn't. I was finally convinced to go this year by my primary care and it turned out (after having random blood work done) that I had some liver levels (lol, that is so not what it is called but I have a very un-scientific mind sorry) that were high and I had to see this doctor anyway so perfect that I already had an appointment. My doctor's operation was: figure out stomach problems, figure out liver problems. My operation was: figure out why I am 25, eat healthy, exercise frequently and have more health problems most older people I know...

The doctor said the most likely connection between stomach and liver issues (specifically mine) is celiac. NOOOOOO. Seriously no. I refuse to give up bread. I was READY to accept that diagnosis 3 years ago when I was feeling terrible all the time. Now I get IBS...let's just have IBS. I like my bread, I like my pasta. I do not like the gluten free versions of these. And so, let's hope it is not celiac. The good news is: 1. I was already tested for celiac and it came up negative (of course, the doctor said the test is not used anymore because its not that reliable- but still) 2. Celiac would not explain why my stomach gets worse with stress. The bad news is, if it is celiac I might cry. A lot. But then after that I will find all the bloggers who eat gluten free and I'll experiment and eventually I'll learn to deal with that too. Of course.

On another note, I have started writing articles for this online magazine type of thing. Check out my first 2: Pumpkin Math and Breakfast Ideas for IBS (even if you don't have IBS, they are still healthy!).

I'll update you guys tomorrow on the blood test results (or at least as soon as I know anything).

PS. Does ice cream have gluten in it?