Scales For You

It is estimated that nearly 24 million people in the United States have diabetes.  Type 2 diabetes was once rare in children, but by 1999, up to 45 percent of new diabetes cases in kids was type 2, which was linked to a rise in childhood obesity.  Type 1 diabetics produce no insulin at all, while Type 2 diabetics’ cells are resistant to insulin.  Diets have changed and concentrated sweets and processed carbohydrates add pounds.  Switch from white bread to wheat and from white rice to brown for a positive change.  Replace fried chicken with baked and stock up on fresh vegetables such as baby carrots, broccoli, and green salads.  Eliminate unhealthy snacks and fast foods. 

Exercise creates leaner muscles that are better able to metabolize sugar and decrease the cells’ resistance to insulin.  Make exercising fun by doing things together.  Children like to play, even do exercises, if their parent or significant adult is doing it, too.  Get some large capacity scales to keep track of everyone’s progress and the whole family should soon be on track toward a healthier lifestyle.