Obesity battle begins at home

I applaud the Campanelli YMCA in Schaumburg for using their grant money to help fund a program to fight childhood obesity as outlined in a front-page story on Aug. 30. But you have to wonder — why are we asking the restaurants and schools to make all the changes? Nowhere do I see, in this article or others, anything about making the parents more responsible for their children’s health choices.

It’s our responsibility as parents, not the restaurants and schools, to make sure our families are healthy. Grade schoolchildren are generally quite happy to spend time with their families and be “part of the action,” so to speak. Why not get them involved in weekly meal planning?

Being 14 and involved in too many activities should not excuse children from participating with the family. If everyone worked together and took responsibility as a group, it would be far easier putting a meal on the table. It doesn’t need to take hours for a family meal. Just a little planning. On the weekend, or a weeknight when you’re home, try throwing some extra items on the grill, such as a lean pork tenderloin, salmon fillets or boneless skinless chicken breasts. All of these are great cut up on a salad, or made into a sandwich on a whole wheat bun.

Take a walk or bike ride together, even if it’s only for 15 minutes. Make a habit to do it every day following the after-school snack or dinner. Make a game of it by counting how many red cars you pass, or how many dogs you see.

Let’s get rid of the excuses, take the responsibility and make it a family affair.

Barbara Gier

Prospect Heights