As we all know, childhood obesity is an epidemic.  It is quick and easy to eat fast food, fried foods, junk food, processed food…  At the same time, many children are not getting the proper exercise.  There are video games, computer games, and other indoor sedentary activities and distractions that can prevent a child from running around and using up the energy they are consuming.

Physically, these children are being set up for health problems that will follow them into their adult lives.  Emotionally, these children are belittled, picked on, and emotionally tortured by peers.  Serious issues with self esteem that again will follow them into their adult lives are likely.

This short video will give parents some good ideas about how to shop and plan out meals and snacks for the entire family.

Parents need to know that there is help available.  There are many programs designed to give parents the information, and support that they need to help their children.  Here are a few website to explore if you are looking for more information:

1. We Can! (Ways to Enhance Children’s Activity and Nutrition)
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
3. Shape Up America
4. The Center for Child Obesity

An article found at WebMD indicates that a US study has been done linking pesticides to a higher risk of ADHD.  (ADHD stands for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.) Researchers examined the urine of 1139 children between the ages of 8 – 15 and found that higher levels of pesticides in the body increased the likelihood of developing ADHD. The research was based on the general population in the United States.  There are about forty organophosphates (pesticides) that are currently being used in the United States. 

These pesticides are known to be toxic to the human body. Apparently even low levels are having an impact on children. I have been writing a four part series about whether or not it is wise to buy organic food. I will definitely be keeping this information in mind as I write the last part of my series. This article stresses the need for more research and highly recommends that adults thoroughly wash all produce before allowing children to eat it.  If you would like to read the article in its entirety, just click this link.

Today I’ll be taking a look at where we can buy organic produce.  Within the last few years, organic food has been appearing at our regular supermarkets.  (At least in the Eastern United States it has.)  There are also stores like Whole Foods and Wegmans that offer organic products.  However, today I’d like to explore some additional places where you can locate this pesticide free food.

Here is a list of options when it comes to finding organic food for your home:

• Grocery Stores
• Farmer’s Markets
• Online Stores

1. Organic Direct

2. Mountain Rose Herbs

3.  UliMana

4.  Solay Wellness Inc.

5.  Door to Door Organics

Finding a farm in your area is a fantastic way of buying delicious produce while supporting your local economy.  Local farms provide an opportunity to buy the freshest and most nutritious food.  There are many different ways that farmers sell their goods.  There are farmer’s markets, u-pick, a farm stand and a food coop.  Here is an excellent website called Community Supported Agriculture.  (Also known as CSA)  You can learn all about locally grown produce and the many different ways to purchase it in your neighborhood.

In my last segment about organic food, I will put it all together and make a recommendation regarding whether organic food is really worth the extra money.