Modern Medicine Man

Puma - (Pa Un Miho Aruba) = For a Better Aruba

2009-08-01T14:05:00.000-07:00

For all those who would like to stay updated on the campaign click here!

Thanks everyone for your support!!!

Calendar Update

2009-07-30T14:49:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,

Hope you all have had a chance to check out the calendar for Mi Salud Mi Futuro Kids Camp 2009.

http://www.richardvisser.org/calender

"Be the change you want to see in the world." - Gandhi

Biografia!

2009-07-13T23:35:00.000-07:00

Dr. Richard Visser

Durante Dr. Richard W. M. Visser su carera como profesional, e la enfoca riba e parti di epidemia y e asunto primordial cu ta afecta nos futuro generacion nan cu ta obesidad, for di diferente perspectiva,, entre otro, como academico, investigado clinico, un activista riba e aspecto di salubridad, dor di duna entrenamento y organisa campamento pa hobennan, como educador, como politico, a percura pa comunica cu e comunidad, den su carera como entrepreneur, un desaroyador y implementado di maneranan inovativo y introduccion di strategianan inovativo pa atende cu e situacionnan den salubridad publico y mas ainda como un ciudadano preucupa y como un mayor.

Despues di a gradua na St. Michael’s University na Vermont cu un grado den ciencia y administracion di negacion(degree in Science and Business Administration), Dr. Visser a study pre-med na “The University of Colorado”. Durante e estudio aki, e la sinti e necesidad pa explora amedicina alternativo pa e e sistema di medicina actual ora cu ta papia di crea un comunidad saludabel y percura pa e comunidad haci movecion, esta ehercicio. E la drenta Palmer College of Chiropractic na Santa Clara, California, y einan e la logra su titulo di “Doctor of Chiropractic” cual awe e ta practica ainda. Despues di a gradua, Dr Visser a scoge pa enfoca riba hubentud su salud y nutricion. “My father was overweight all his life,” e la bisa, “mi tata tabata sobrepeso henter su bida. “Si ami y mi tata a scohe un miho calidad di bida pa loke ta salud ora cu e tabata hoben, mi tata lo tabata na bida awe”. Na 2006, Dr. Visser’ a dicidi di haci un descubrimento den su estudio clinico riba obesidad bou di hobennan na Aruba y einan e la logra su titulo di PhD. Den salubridad publico na “Universidad di Medicina”, na Havana, Cuba.

Durante añanan dr. Visser a bisa un experto reconoci riba e tereno di obesidad bou di hobennan. Pa 15 anja largo Dr. Visser has a atende e problema di obesidad y mas spesifico, e pandemia of obesidad di hobennan riba diferente frontera, incluyendo su trabounan cu e organisacion di Comite Olympico International pa cuater aña largo, incluyendo na 2004 na momento di e weganan olimpico di Athena. Na 1993 dr. Visser a habri “Visser Wellness and Research Clinic” na Aruba, cu ta ofrece tanto medicina tradicional y esun alternativo y ta provee informacion y guia riba diet, ehercicio, testnan di alergia y status di salud di tur persona y pashent den Caribe. Su mision primordial ta pa explora, imparta y aplica e delaster inovacionnan y desaroyonan pa loke ta medicina restaurativo pa mucha y adulto rond henter mundo, specialmente nos hendenan di Aruba. Durante anjanan Dr. Visser’s su trabou tabata di vital importancia pa contribui na un miho comprendemento di e parti biologico, sociologico y psicologico di e factornan cu ta rondonan e obesidad di nos muchanan. E raportnan traha pa dr. Visser a conduci na descubrimentonan importante cu e VU Medical Center di Hulanda y proyectonan di implementacion por medio di su organisacion no guberntamental y sin fin di lucro cu ta “Foundation RVI in Latin America and the Caribbean”. Dr. Visser su Plan National Aruba 2009-2018 a keda reconoci pa e organisacion di Europa, “EPHA” (European Public Health Alliance) na Bruselas, na Belgica.

Helping Kids Make Sense of Food

2009-07-13T23:34:00.001-07:00

Helping Kids Make Sense of Food

By Dr. Richard Visser

If you’re like most parents today, you grew up in classrooms with the old food pyramid tacked on the wall. No doubt your nutrition education centered around a once-a-year discussion of that picture. It looked kind of like the Egyptian pyramids–three-dimensional and built of “food blocks”–and kids back then were encouraged to eat lots of bread (represented as a single block across the bottom, widest part of the pyramid), a little less fruit and veggies (shown as two blocks up a level), even less meat and dairy (two more blocks up a level), and to “use sparingly” the fats and oils (shown at the tip top of the pyramid).

Although the carb-protein-greens ratios look off by today’s standards, there’s no denying the picture was instantly understandable. You got a sense of proportion the minute you looked at it, and any third grader could recite the four food groups.

Recognizing the need to update their advice, in 2005 the USDA replaced the relic pyramid with a new one. This time, it looks like the front of the pyramid has lit up with colored lights, and there’s a climber heading up the stairs on the side.

Many have criticized the pyramid, and I’m no exception. The colors aren’t naturally associated with the foods they represent (purple for meat? blue for milk?), and there’s no way to interpret proportions because all the lines are the same width. There’s no distinction between whole grains, which are a healthy food choice, and refined carbohydrates, which aren’t.

What’s more, although adults may be familiar with the idea of a food pyramid, kids are unlikely to commit it to memory easily. If you want to test it out, take a look at the pyramid (www.MyPyramid.gov), and then see if you can recall any of the guidelines it represents. In my view, the pyramid falls far short of its intended goal: to educate us about what’s good for us to eat.

In response, I created something different and presented it at the Parlatino Conference in Sao Paul, Brazil in the spring of 2006. Imagine a boat with five colorful sails. It’s moored on a beautiful beach, where the sky is blue and the air is clean and fresh. A family plays, exercises, and has fun on the shore. The family dog frolicks in the background. The scene is light, airy, and filled with energy. What child wouldn’t want to hang out on that beach, to trim the sails, to play pirate or Popeye on that boat?

Each sail represents a different food group, and the colors associated with those groups makes sense. The size of each sail is also proportionate to the amount of that food recommended for consumption, from smaller amounts of protein to fruits and vegetables, which can be eaten with little restriction.

In previous articles, I’ve warned against children spending too much time in passive entertainment, such as watching TV and playing video games. At the same time, I’m an advocate of watching TV with your child to use it as a tool for learning (not, I should mention, as a context for snacking) and, likewise, to offer kids positive games that will help them develop healthy habits.

So, of course, I’ve started work on my own game to teach kids about nutrition, making the child captain of a ship whose mission is to reach nine specific islands. Children’s ability to reach these islands, and to overcome the many obstacles they encounter during the journey, is determined by the food and exercise choices they make. The healthier the foods they choose, the higher the sails ascend. The more exercise they do, the faster the ship sails.

The game, and posters of my sailing food guide, should be available to the public in the near future. In the meanwhile, I encourage you to embark on home-based nutrition education for your children. That starts, of course, with educating yourself. Seek out resources you enjoy, that speak to your family and your viewpoint.

By all means, if you’re a fan of the pyramid get yourself a copy of the kids’ version, which features cute cartoon characters exercising all around the pyramid, instead of the antiseptic stick-figure version you usually see, and post it near your kitchen. But be sure to go beyond that, too. Talk about what you know and what you’re learning with your children. Be sure you reinforce the guidelines by giving kids healthy choices not only during meals, but for snacks, too. You don’t have to completely replace carrot cake with carrot sticks–but make the better foods the mainstay of your family diet.

Dr. Richard Visser recently completed clinical research on 10,000 children and the obesity pandemic in Latin America and the United States. He’s the director of the Visser Wellness and Research Center in Aruba, as well as CEO of SimplyH, LLC and Simply Toddler, LLC in Los Angeles. Dr. Visser works worldwide to raise awareness of proper nutrition for healthy and fit toddlers and children.

Press Release: Dr. Richard Visser- Un Homber di Accion y di Solucion

2009-07-10T17:00:00.001-07:00

June 25th, 2009

June 16, 2009

Dr. Richard Visser: Un Homber di Accion y di Solucion

Turismo ta nos entrada. Nos producto ta nos hospitalidad, nos hendenan, nos seguridad y nos beachnan. Mirando e rumbo cu nos pais Aruba ta bayendo, nos economia ta na peliger, loke ta nifica cu nos entrada ta na peliger.

Pa por saca Aruba for di e decadencia cu e ta aden y pone riba un rumbo nobo, mester di liderasco cu e vision di Juancho Irausquin, e determinacion di Betico Croes y e disciplina di un atleta hoben. Ta pesey nos mester di AVP, vision, determinacion y disciplina. Dr. Richad Visser no ta un homber di palabra sino di accion. Despues di su retiro for di Parlamento, Dr. Richard Visser no a stop di sigui traha na bienestar di nos pais Aruba. Entre Mei y October 2008 Dr. Richard Visser a termina e Plan Nacional Aruba , pa e lucha contra Sobrepeso, Obesidad y Asuntonan relaciona cu Salubridad, pa gobierno di Aruba.Ademas, na 2008, e tabata na Bruselas, Belgica, cerca e Alianza di Salubrdad Publico Europeo pa e aprobacion pa e Plan Nacional Aruba 2009 – 2018. “Mi pasion, mi vision, mi determinacion y mi disciplina ta loke ta ponemi entrega mi mes completamente pa asina trata e asunto di Salubrdad Publico den un sentido mas amplio,” esaki tabata e palabranan di un persona cu ta determina pa yuda su Pais Aruba.

Mirando su determinacion y dedicacion Dr. Richard Visser no solamente a wordo invita pa duna lectura pa Valero y FTA sino tambe na e Conferencia di Bryson na 2008 y 2009. Unda cu Dr. Richard Visser a presenta, e tabata wordo mira como un homber di iniciativa y accion. Di 2000 pa 2005 Dr. Richard Visser tabata director medico di e Comite Olimpico di Aruba mientras cu entre 2003 y 2006 e tabata Director di un programa di investigacion di Obesidad cerca tur mucha entre 6 y 11 anja. Ademas, na anja 2007, e tabata na Boneiro pa ta hunto cu professor R.A.Hirasing di VU Medisch Centrum Amsterdam haci un studio di obesidad cerca muchanan di scolnan basico comparando Boneiro cu Aruba. Mientras cu a Januari 2008 e tabata e “experto” (miembro di e commision) di e Obesity Task Force pa Aruba.

Recientemente dr. Richard Visser a traha riba un proyecto di “foodlabeling” y investigacion pa Aruba hunto cu VUMC Amsterdam. E proyecto aki lo yuda e consumidor pa trece cambio den su custumber den haci compras y cu e conocemento aki cumpra cumindanan cu ta mas saludabel. Ademirabel pa bisa cu tin organisacionan cu ta dispuesto pa pone e fondonan necesario di inmediato pa asina cuminsa na ehecuta e proyecto aki.

No solamente Dr. Richard Visser a haci tur tipo di estudio pa loke ta trata obesidad, sino el a traha riba e tereno di salud den tur sentido di palabra. Dr. Richard Visser ta fundador y director di CPR Youth Foundation Aruba, cu a wordo estableci na 1995.Tambe e ta co-propietario di Rescatami, fundador di “How We Give” Rehabilitaion Facility; Presidente di Fellowship Foundation Recovery Facility and Half Way House y asina nos por sigui menciona.

Dr Visser ta sigur ta kere cu “Nos mester inverti den nos hendenan, nos talentonan local, nos inteligencia local. Nos mester sostene y aprecia nos mes.” Un di e pogramanan cu cual Dr. Richard Visser a causa impacto aki na Aruba tabata e “Xtreme H Games”. Un programa pa hobennan entre edad di 6 pa 17 anja, cu el a plania, desaroya y a ehecuta durante tres anja y cu ta wordo tene 10 biaha pa anja. Durante e programa aki nos hobennan ta trata topiconan manera salud, nutricion y movecion y tambe nan ta participa na tayernan cu ta sinja nan cosnan nobo pa asina nan por mehora nan mes.

Tur e hechonan ariba menciona ta demostra cu Dr. Richard Visser ta e persona adecua pa trece e cambio. Poniendo bo confiansa den Dr. Richard Visser bo ta dune e oportunidad pa drenta den accion.E accion cu tanto nos tur ta wardando ariba dje. E accion pa hasi e cambio real pa nos Aruba pasobra mi salud y mi futuro lo ta den su man.“Nos mester lanta y para firme pa asina nos proteha nos parti mas vulnerabel cu ta nos yiunan, nos mamanan soltero y nos grandinan. Nos mester para fuerte y promove nos parti mas vital, cual ta nos comercio – chikito y grandi. Nos mester lucha pa husticia y disciplina, inverti den Salud y Educacion pa asina nos obreronan, cu ta e motor tras di nos economia, por bai dilanti.”

Den nos tur tin un heroe. Y esaki ta e momento pa lanta para y uni forsa pa asina hunto cu Dr. Richard Visser y AVP nos drenta den accion y traha Pa Un Miho Aruba.

Dr. Richard Visser’s Tips on How Single Parents Can Keep Their Kids Healthy

2009-07-10T16:59:00.001-07:00

June 25th, 2009

How Single Parents Can Keep Their Kids Healthy

By Dr. Richard Visser

Worrying about your child’s health is a never-ending job—but tackling it as a single parent can seem impossible. How can you address childhood obesity with your limited time and resources? I’ve got some great tips to make the job of single parents easier and more effective—and make you feel like the superparent you are!

You’re tired from work and haven’t seen your child all day, and he starts begging for soda. “Why not give him what he wants?” you think, feeling guilty about your lack of time, and not wanting to argue. But this is one battle worth fighting, and can become a great introduction to a talk about nutrition and healthy choices. Tell your child:

Soft drinks are empty calories, with no nutritional value, and can make you overweight and unhealthy.
A recent study by the American Heart Association showed people who drink one or more sodas per day—diet or regular—have higher rates of metabolic syndrome (abdominal obesity, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure), putting them at increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
Need more convincing? A soda contains about 10 teaspooons of sugar, 30 – 55 mg of caffeine, and 150 calories—and artificial flavors, colors, and chemicals. Ten minutes after drinking a soda, 10 teaspoons of sugar—your entire recommended daily allowance—race through your bloodstream, creating a sugar high. After 40 minutes, you’ve absorbed all the caffeine, so your blood pressure increases. After 45 minutes, your body produces dopamine, stimulating your brain’s pleasure centers exactly the same way heroin does. After 60 minutes, you experience a sugar crash, and crave more soda.

No wonder soft drinks are the number one source of calories in the American diet! That means mom or dad shouldn’t drink soda either, so tell your child that you’re “quitting” because you like to make healthy choices, too (and stick to your promise—and water).

Be honest with your child about how difficult it is to stay away from soft drinks and junk food and advertisements for them—they are everywhere, even schools. Discuss why advertising exists (to sell products), that advertisers target children (an easy sell), and that they will say anything to sell their products (“JunkJoos has real fruit!” but the label shows 1 percent juice). Ask your child what food advertisements she knows, and whether she believes the ads.

This conversation about advertising can be repeated every time your child starts nagging about junk food. “Why do you know this product? Does the advertiser care about your health?” Advertisers do research to learn how to hook kids, and unfortunately for you, their research revealed that single parents, and parents with multiple children, are most likely to give in to kids’ nagging. Redirect your child toward choosing one new fruit or vegetable to try. Now that’s quality time!

So you didn’t buy any soda or junk food at the store—what on earth will you feed your child? Use your spare time to create healthy snacks in advance so you don’t pacify your kid with whatever food happens to be convenient. You’re teaching them to make healthy choices for a lifetime, not just feeding them! Keep healthy, quick snacks (baby carrots, bananas, apples, yogurt, cottage cheese, whole-wheat crackers, peanut butter, unsweetened applesauce, and sliced cheese) at your child’s eye level in the fridge. Fill easy-open containers with single portions so kids don’t need your help.

Teach your child some cooking basics: let him measure and stir, add ingredients, or read the recipe aloud. Kids love helping, and who couldn’t use an extra hand—or more quality time! On days off, cook large meals and freeze extra portions in reheatable containers. Wrap food in foil for easy oven meals. Turn on your slow-cooker in the morning—and come home to a hot, complete meal. Make your own “Helper” by mixing spices with rice or noodles in containers, and they’ll be ready when needed.

Being a single parent is difficult, but support is available. Your school or local YMCA probably has an after-school program your child can attend. Find someone outside your family to be a mentor for your child—either a person you know or an individual involved with your child’s school. Ask this mentor to emphasize healthy food and lifestyle choices. When you teach your child about nourishing foods, you’ll have a partner as committed to healthy choices—and a happy future—as you are.

Combating in Schools the Current Obesity Epidemic

2009-07-10T16:55:00.000-07:00

June 25th, 2009

How School Keeps Kids Overweight:

By Dr. Richard Visser

Imagine you’re an overweight or obese child going to gym for physical education (PE).

You’re a kid, so you have an overwhelming desire to belong—to “fit in” with everyone else. But you have to change your clothes in front of the other kids, who make fun of how different you look. Then you put on the standard-issue exercise clothing, which doesn’t look the same on you as on the other kids, and doesn’t fit well, so you get teased more.

You’re the last one to be picked for a team, and your extra weight makes you slower than the other kids—plus you don’t usually participate in sports, so your skill level is lower than theirs—so you get ridiculed not only for your appearance, but for your lack of contribution to the team. Even during track, you’re jeered at as the last one to the finish line. You’re completely humiliated all during class, and then you have to go change your clothes in front of the other kids again. And, both now and when you’re older, people wonder why you don’t have positive thoughts about exercise.

When you think about gym class from an obese or overweight child’s standpoint, you realize that the PE classes available in elementary schools need a major overhaul before they can become useful in combating the current obesity epidemic.

All of the mini-sports currently offered as PE classes (baseball, basketball, soccer, softball, volleyball, track, wrestling, tennis, aerobics, dance, gymnastics) not only require changing into and wearing specific uniforms, but that every student perform equally. Odds are, the overweight kids aren’t going to be at the same level as the athletic kids, and it will be obvious to everyone, so their self-esteem suffers. This can turn into a vicious cycle: lowered self-esteem causes unconscious emotional eating with excess calorie intake, which results in more weight, which drops self-esteem even further.

Adult gyms have a similar negative emotional effect on overweight kids. Parents who drag their kids to the gym with them may have good intentions (“We enjoy it, so our kids will, too”), but they’re doing more harm than good. The gym doesn’t mean anything to a child, because in a child’s world, a gym has no place. The gym doesn’t make life better. It won’t make them cool and won’t get rid of the teasing.

When you look through the eyes of an overweight child and consider his or her issues, traditional exercise—whether through PE classes or at a gym—doesn’t solve any problems, and can even backfire if the kids begin to dread activity.

So what will meet the emotional needs of overweight children while also helping them be more active? For boys, though some girls would benefit too, martial arts are a way out of the vicious cycle. Not offered as a PE class at most schools, though they should be, martial arts classes can be a great after-school or weekend activity.

The usual defense method preferred by overweight boys who are being bullied—and most are—is self-isolation, by escaping into other worlds with games or computers. Martial arts teach physical techniques that work, and show results from the very first class, when students become white belts. The other kids at school may immediately curb their teasing, because they don’t know what a white belt learns. Physical self-defense is particularly useful for boys, who are dealing with violent teasing that crosses the line into physical abuse. Obese boys live in perpetual fear—they’re scared not only of the verbal barbs when the boys in the locker room notice their larger breasts, but of the painful “twisters” that follow.

Benefits of Martial Arts

Martial arts uniforms cover the student’s body completely and may look better on children with more “meat on their bones.”
Students advance through each level at their own pace.
The instructor and class provide a positive social setting.

There are three main types of self-defense based martial arts styles: all three are stand-up styles, where punching, kicking, and blocking are the basic techniques. Japanese Karate, Chinese Kung Fu (Shaolin is one type), and Korean Tae Kwon Do are the most widely available and popular. Make sure the program you select is directed toward kids: Look at the schedule and see if most classes are for kids, observe some sessions, and talk to other parents. Don’t forget to ask for a free introductory session so your child can test-drive the class.

Parents and children should share the same goals and motivations when enrolling in martial arts. Martial arts teach

Fitness, like strength, balance, and flexibility;
Mental abilities or life skills like self-control, goal-setting, discipline, patience, and courage;
Self-confidence, personal responsibility, and self-structure;
Techniques for conflict resolution and self-defense.

The issues girls face are different, since girls have an emotional need to belong to their social circle. The worst thing to do is place them in ballet or jazz classes, where they have to change their clothing and then look totally different from the other kids in the class. Being called a “hippo in a tutu” is devastating for a child, so sports where regular, everyday clothing can be worn are essential, like hip-hop or street dancing.

The same dancing styles seen in music videos, street dancing is physically and mentally challenging but doesn’t seem like exercise to the child. As they learn the latest pop-star steps from a video, online, or in a dance class, they

Progress through the steps at their own pace;
Are encouraged to bring their own unique, personal style to the moves;
Aren’t required to buy equipment or wear a uniform.

When overweight girls start b-girling (breakdancing), their peers draw them back in to share these “super-cool” moves. And because it’s gratifying to be back in her social group, she’ll keep dancing, and eventually the exercise will remove the obstacles she faces in joining any other physical activity. Street dance can also work for boys, since MTV frequently shows b-boying.

Since traditional PE classes and gyms constitute torture for overweight kids, parents need to find outlets where their kids can experience active play as a positive part of their lives. Martial arts and street dancing are perfectly suited to introducing overweight boys and girls to physical activities where they will thrive and have fun. Certainly, these aren’t the only activities that can change a child’s mind about exercise—and that’s just the point. Get into the mind of a child, and choose exercise with benefits the child will recognize.

Helping Kids Make Sense of Food

2009-07-10T16:54:00.001-07:00

June 26th, 2009

Helping Kids Make Sense of Food

By Dr. Richard Visser

The nutrition they need, with a taste they'll love.

2009-07-10T16:02:00.000-07:00

Toddlerhood. It's that ironic time when kids need extra nourishment to fuel their rapid growth - yet refuse to eat anything remotely healthy.

We'll we've got a tasty solution. Toddler Health is an all-natural balanced nutritional drink for children from 13 months to 5 years. One serving of Toddler Health helps little ones meet their daily requirements for vitamins, minerals and protein. And preparation is a cinch - just mix a scoop of the powder with water and serve.

In addition to all the nutritional info the drinks offer, we include an in-depth comparison of other leading drinks.

Take a moment to look at the drinks. Your toddler will thank you.

Entry July 1st 2009: Salud, Educacion y Deporte e Reto

2009-07-03T13:11:00.000-07:00

Tourismo ta nos entrada.

Nos producto ta nos hospitalidad (nos hendenan), nos seguridad, y nos beachnan. Tur tres falta den calidad, vision y disciplina. Nos Economia ta den peliger! Nos entrada ta na peliger! Pa nos por saca nos mes fei di e caida aki mester liderasco cu vision; e vision di Juancho Erausquin, e determinacion di Betico Croes y e disciplina di un atleta hoben – un atleta Olympico. Cada un di nos mester busca esaki bek den nos mes!

Nos mester inverti den nos hendenan, nos talentonan local, nos inteligencia local, ban pa prome bes sostene aprecia nos mes! Protega nos parti mas vulnerabel: Nos juinan, e mama soltero y nos grandinan. Promove nos parti mas vital: Nos negociantenan chickito y grandi Cu justicia y disciplina pa asina nos obreronan, e motor di nos economia, por bai dilanti!

Salud, Educacion y Deporte e reto, e vision, e inversion cu nos lo pone beck den nos motor trahado I e parti cu lo sigura nos futuro generacionan. Mi pasion , mi vision, mi determinacion y disciplina lo wordu entrega den asaki – Salubridad Publico den e sentido mas amplio: Calidad, “Kueze”, Transparencia, y Seguridad den un Salubridad Sostenibel, cu na su rais lo tin un direction nobo di prevencion, consenticasion y educacion! Un maneho integral holistico; cu lo trece cune un promesa, un compromiso di nos tur cu nos pais Aruba – Pa Un Miho Aruba – un Aruba cu un cuido motiva robusto y reenforsa. Riba e prome linja nos Docter di Cas y Nursenan professional. Un calidad halto di nos specialistanan, ampliacion, renobacion y mehoracion di nos hospital. Nos cuido diabetico, nos cuido mental (psychiatrico) pa duna dos ehemplo, integracion di Centro medico San nicolaas cu nos Hospital, un coordinacion central di nos cuido curativo. Mehoracion di comunicacion i un aprecio pa esnan responsabel di duna nos e cuido aki.

Un luga central cu lo coordina nos prevencion, trahando cerca cu tur nos (NGO’s) Fundacionan, nos Scolnan, Deporte y diferente Institutonan pa asina logra un direction, un forsa, un union, pa Un Miho Aruba, pa un Futuro fuerte di Arubianonan Sano i Educa na e nivel mas halto. Un Arubiano cu lo tin tur e toolsnan pa hiba nos pais dilante como un ehemple pa e resto di nos region y sende un luz cu lo bria fuerte y inspira futuro generacionan. Esaki ta nos reto.

Den nos tur tin un heroe, hopi di nos a lubida cu e tei, busce, educe y laga e crese y guiyabo, guia nos tur. Awor ta e momento, esaki ta e ana, i e luga pa nos hunto traha historia y construi un lejenda.

Nos merece. ban nos tur Pa Un Miho Aruba! E PUMA den AVP

PUMA

Pa Un Miho Aruba

Dr. Richard Visser

2009-06-23T10:56:00.001-07:00

Make today a productive one! Expand your mind, and remember proper body care begins at the cellular level.

Energetic Expenditure & Obesity

2009-06-15T15:42:00.000-07:00

Energy is defined as the most important component in nature in relation with the

capacity of the system to perform a job. The cell is identified as the functional and

structural unit of any living system, and the metabolic function as the most important

biological function that supports and feeds the nutritional chemical categories.

The energetic expenditure is analyzed in different components and also in

relationship with physical activity. Structured physical activity is defined as a procedure

that enables the increase of total body energetic expenditure in relation to

the integrated characteristics of the system. Some functional particularities of the

skeletal and muscular system and the cells constitute these are described here. It

is concluded that using structured physical activity, changes periodically, speed

and force of the contraction and relaxation process and appropriate combination

of the energetic food chemical categories of the diet is possible to achieve treatments

against obesity in a short period of time.

Introduction

The energy is a universal attribute to all living and non‐living matter. It represents

the most important component of nature and reflects the capacity that a system

has in order to perform a job, inside itself or the relation to the environment.

The systems can be thermodynamic or not. The first ones are those that are constituted

by a high number of atoms, molecules and it could be of three different

types: Closed, isolated, and open.

The closed thermodynamic system does not share energy (e), work (t), chemical

substance (sq) or information (I) with the physical environment. The isolated systems

share only energy or work and they open systems might share everything.

The cell is the functional and structural unit of any system and living organism and

in the same way, belongs to the open, thermodynamic system.

Development

METABOLIC FUNCTION

The biological function is any kind of manifestation of vital activity. The most important

of this manifestation is the metabolic function or simple metabolism and

its importance is so great that it does not make sense at all to speak about life

outside of this conception.

The metabolism is no more than a collection of chemical reactions that are produced

inside of a biosystem in a determined period of time. It is the biological

function of major significance because during its development the required energy

begins to move in order to execute different types of jobs that support life: It

is also important because it makes possible the dialectic and necessary interrelationships

between the different components of the living things and in between

living things and their environments.

The substantial suppliers and supporters of the metabolic function are the nutrients

contained in the different nutritional chemical categories that can be part of

the diet eaten by the individual; in other words, the different chemical sustenance's

necessary to maintain a structure and normal functions involve all parts of

the cell.

NUTRITIONAL CHEMICAL CATEGORIES

The nutritional chemical categories can be of two types: Energetic and Nonenergetic.

The first group is composed of neutral fats or triglycerides that produce

9.0 kcal/g when they are burned; The homopolisaccharides, or the starch glucose

complex, and the heteropolisaccharides, sucrose and lactose (produce 4.0 kcal/g

when burned) and proteins (4.0 kcal/g when burned). The non‐energetic chemical

categories are composed by the deoxyribonucleic (DNA) and ribonucleic acid

(RNA).

Among the nutritional chemical categories are the oxygen (the most important for

human beings in order to keep an aerobic energetic metabolism); the water,

amino acids, mono saccharides, fatty acids, liposolubles and hydrosoluable vitamins

and minerals and oligo‐elements.

ENERGETIC EXPENDITURE

When the intensity of the organic cell tissue metabolism increases the body also

increases its metabolism proportional to the total energetic expenditure. One of

the more important factors that determines the energetic expenditure is the

physical activity performed by the individual in relationship to the resting metabolic

rate, the thermo genesis produced by the food and also the adaptive thermo

genesis.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

During the execution of any type of physical activity there are always two groups

of different contraction‐skeletal muscles: antagonist and protagonist.

In order to produce the muscular contraction process as well as the muscular relaxation

process, it is necessary to release energy coming from oxidative stretched

muscular cells; That is why this kind of process is important, because it establishes

a negative energetic balance which is required to eliminate weight by using the

extra fat of the body and is also an effective treatment against obesity.

FRACTIONALLY ENERGETIC EXPENDITURE

The body's energetic expenditure depending on the physical activity is integrated,

in other words, the amount of caloric energy generated by muscular contractions

called isotonics and isometrics; which can be of different durations and intensity

levels, produce at different times and in several muscular groups are added in the

process. This summation is very useful to increase the total energetic expenditure

of the population who are not able to dedicate much time doing physical activities

and using this procedure it is possible to achieve are reduction of obesity "with

out working too hard."

STRETCHED SKELETAL MUSCLE

The stretched skeletal muscles are a defined as a group of cells focused on the use

of chemical configured potential energy, contained in the biomolecule of phosphorous

creatine and adenosintrifosfato or (ATP) in the way of free radicals because

of the isothermic and isobanicas in any biosystem in the performance of

mechanical work.

The sarcoplasmic of the stretched skeletal muscle is a viscous medium thought

which different kinds of proteins have been identified which are involved in the

contraction process: but only four of these proteins (troponin, tropo‐ myosin, G

actin, and myosin) are related in a more direct way with the contraction process:

the same result occurs in muscular relaxation.

In the above mentioned process a large amount of free radicals are transformed

into caloric energy which helps to diminish the viscosity of the sarcoplasma and

also helps reduce the requirements of the provided energy of the phosphorous

creatine in order to perform a job against friction. In this way the contraction and

relaxation process are maximized with the increase of the efficient thermodynamic

energy, which is the same as muscular activity; especially the one that is

done in a uniform and monotonous way, tending to diminish the total energetic

expenditure which is equivalent the principle of Le Chatelier‐van´t Hofft.

If the physical activity is performed with programmed changes of rhythm, speed

and force in the open thermodynamic system which is the stretched skeletal muscle

and is not performed in the muscle producing the optimal relaxationcontraction

process, the result is an increase of the energetic expenditure plain;

this is very important in relating to how we perform physical exercises that are

used in the treatment against obesity; all this added together to the idea of fractional

physical activity and also to a balanced diet.

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A Guide for Healthy Living

2009-06-15T15:37:00.000-07:00

People are living systems. As such, we have a remarkable ability to spontaneously

adapt to changes that occur in our environment by modifying or altering our biological

functions.

Metabolism is a critical biological function, consisting of a combination of chemical

reactions that take place within the cells of every living organism over a period

of time. It is the most important biological function because it releases the energy

required for other types of biological functions to operate.

The process of metabolism cannot take place in the absence of two critical types

of fuel. The first type of fuel is oxygen which we take in from the external environment

through our respiratory system. The second, equally important fuel are

the nutrients contained in the various food groups we eat as part of our diet. The

process of metabolism can only function well if we consume the right type and

amount of food , (i.e., nutrients) required to produce the level of energy our cells

need to perform the functions we demand of them.

It is therefore important to know the actual amount of energy expended by each

individual. These energy requirements, in turn, determine the type and amount

of energy needed and this, in turn, dictates the type and amount of food necessary

to satisfy these requirements. Exercise, which consumes energy and has a

direct effect on metabolism, is yet another important ingredient in our search for

optimum physical and mental well‐being ….. a condition in which there is a perfect

balance between the nutrients we get from the food we eat and the amount of

energy we expend through exercise. Healthy nutrition, which involves the regular

intake of various foods in recommended proportions, should therefore be based

upon the need to provide sufficient fuel to support the energy one spends. It also

requires increased water consumption and the consumption of large quantities of

fruits and vegetables, a critical element in the five basic food groups that comprise

the food pyramid.

The “ Balanced Diet Ship," with its five sails, reflects this concept as it moves

through a sea of plenty filled with sunshine, clean air, healthy food and physical

activity on its journey toward a longer and healthier life.

Each of the sails propelling the Balanced Diet Ship forward represents a distinct

food group. The three large sails represent the consumption of water, fruits and

vegetables, and carbohydrates; the medium sail represents fats; and the small

sail represents proteins. The size of each sail is correlated with the amount of

food that should be consumed from the food group it represents.

Water

(represented by a large blue sail on the Balanced Diet Ship)

Water is the principal component and most important element of every living organism,

representing 50% or more of our total body weight. The importance of

water as a nutrient is only exceeded by the importance of oxygen. Water is therefore

represented by a large sail, reflecting the need to drink as much water as possible.

The physical and chemical characteristics of water make it an ideal medium for

the distribution of chemical substances found in the body‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ substances which

are important to the metabolic process. Given its role as a general transport medium,

water plays a direct part in enabling various biological functions to operate

effectively.

The total amount of water found in the body changes with age. In the newborn, it

comprises up to 75% of total body weight. The percentage of water decreases as

one grows older, down to 55‐65% of body content in adult men and 50‐55% in

adult women. This difference between men and women is due to the fact that

women have less muscle and more fat tissue. In a physiologically ideal situation,

a male individual 20 years old and 1.83 m tall, with a body weight of 70 kg and in

good health should have a body water content of about 40 liters.

Total body water content remains relatively constant due to the action of two

powerful reflex mechanisms: the sensation of thirst and a reduction in the volume

of urine eliminated when total body water volume begins to diminish. Should

the total body water content increase for any reason, the sensation of thirst tends

to wane and the volume of water eliminated through the kidneys increases as

well, producing the desired balance of body water content.

There are three principal sources of body water: water ingested as such; water

found in food; and water generated by one’s cells as a by‐product of the metabolism

of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. The total amount of water ingested by

an individual, either as water or as water contained in his diet, can vary widely,

depending upon factors such as climate and type of food consumed. For example,

oranges, watermelons, cantaloupe and similar fruits have a high water content

per unit of weight, while the water content per unit mass of other foods, such as

grains, legumes and tubers, is much lower. The need for water also increases in

hot, dry climates and in situations involving increased respiration or what is

known as “alveolar ventilation”.

Urine is the principal channel through which water is lost from the body. The

amount of water lost through the skin is extremely variable and may occur as

sweat, which is noticeable, or “insensible perspiration”, which is unnoticeable. It

can also occur through fecal matter, the lungs and exhaled air.

It has been suggested that at least 1.5 liters of water should be consumed each

day, but it is practically impossible to determine one’s true water needs in a given

situation with any degree of precision because of the large number of factors that

can increase or decrease water loss. Water nourishment requirements have been

established with this in mind. Of these water requirements, over half are obtained

from the water content of food with the remainder coming from the water

we drink.

Water must be clean and drinkable and must not contain any physical, chemical

or biological agents in significant quantities or any harmful characteristics that

could adversely affect one’s health. Mineral content, or hardness, is also of particular

importance and must be kept within certain limits. Consumption of socalled

“hard water”, or mineral‐rich water, places an excessive functional load on

the kidneys which can cause severe balance disorders in the body if certain limits

are exceeded. It can even lead to death which would occur if an individual were

to drink sea water, for example.

At the other extreme, we find distilled or completely de‐mineralized water which,

in addition to causing other disorders, can have a negative impact on the dynamic

equilibrium that exists between various mineral components of the cells

that make up body tissues. It too can lead to death if allowed to persist for a sufficient

period of time.

Fruits and Vegetables

(represented by a large green sail on the balanced diet ship)

Fresh fruits and vegetables must be part of a varied, nutritious diet. These foods

provide significant amounts of the vitamins, minerals, trace elements, dietary fiber

and antioxidant nutrients that protect an individual’s health and are active in

the prevention of disease. A diet consisting of large quantities of fruits and vegetables

is one that is high in both taste and nutrition. Fruits and vegetables are

therefore represented by a large sail, indicating the need to consume large portions

of these types of foods in your diet.

Consumption of fruits and vegetables increases the antioxidant content of one’s

diet which is currently thought to be a basic dietary requirement. Nutrition experts

now recognize the contribution of fresh fruits and vegetables in helping to

destroy or neutralize the oxygen‐based free radicals generated as part of the human

metabolic process, supporting the defense systems that reduce the adverse

effects of these free radicals. The damage caused by free radicals , if extensive

enough, can harm the body’s cells and make it difficult for them to adapt to

change. It can even lead to cell death. The consequences of these changes can be

severe, and have been linked to the development of arteriosclerosis, cancer, inflammatory

bowel disease, neuro‐degenerative diseases, autoimmune problems

such as rheumatoid arthritis, and the complications of diabetes.

Fruits should be eaten fresh in their natural state, and salads should be eaten raw

due to the loss of vitamins and minerals that occurs during the cooking process.

Preference should be given to dark‐green and yellow or orange vegetables , and

to fresh, unstrained vegetable juices with no salt or sugar added.

Fruits and vegetables also play a significant role in providing the required amount

of dietary fiber. Not long ago, dietary fiber was thought to be an inert substance

consisting largely of cellulose and having an insignificant influence on human

health. However, it is currently suggested that insufficient fiber in the diet may

contribute to the development of many diseases including colon and rectal cancer;

diverticulitis; appendicitis; constipation; hemorrhoids; diabetes; and obesity.

Much research has been done on the relative importance of dietary fiber, and

some controversy exists as to which foods should, or should not, be defined as

dietary fiber. However, there is general agreement on the value of a number of

properties characteristic of this element.

One important property of dietary fiber is its ability to retain water. This property

makes a major contribution toward a well functioning digestive system. Dietary

fiber also has the ability to form gels in the gastrointestinal tract, leading toward

increased glucose tolerance and lessening the absorption of cholesterol and salt.

Another important property attributed to dietary fiber is its ability to absorb calcium,

magnesium, zinc and iron. The fermentation of dietary fiber in the colon

also produces two elements, gas and energy, that are necessary for proper colon

function.

The consumption of a sufficient amount of dietary fiber therefore has a positive

effect on the digestive system through increased fecal mass; increased stool fluidity;

shortened intestinal passage time; dilution of solids found in the large intestine;

excretion of nitrogen, fatty acids, cholesterol and salt through the feces; and

the stimulated growth of beneficial bacteria. It also helps to reduce the absorption

of carbohydrates which increases glucose tolerance, reduces insulin requirements

after meals, and increases the efficiency of glucose metabolism.

Currently, there is no definite agreement among researchers on the amount of

dietary fiber that should be consumed daily, and there is even less agreement as

to the type and variety of fiber that should be eaten. It has been suggested that

consumption of 15 – 30 grams daily is sufficient for a healthy adult, and 3 – 4

grams a day is recommended for children two years of age or older. No recommendations

have been made for younger children. Diets providing 6 grams of fiber

or more are considered to be rich in this nutrient which should form a regular

part of every person’s diet.

Vegetables that should be eaten include chard, cabbage, lettuce, carrots, squash,

beets, beans, peppers, onions, pumpkin, cucumbers, radishes, tomatoes, celery,

eggplant, broccoli and okra, among others. Fruits that should be eaten include

oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit, mangos, papaya, bananas, guava, apples, pineapple,

pears, grapes, apricots, peaches, coconut, cherries, mandarin, mango,

anon, soursop, pineapple pear, coco, prunes, red currants, mamoncillo, medlar,

strawberries, cantaloupe and watermelon, among others.

The importance of consuming large amounts of fruits and vegetables is reflected

in the large size of the green sail representing this food group.

Carbohydrates

(represented by a large orange sail on the Balanced Diet Ship)

Foods containing carbohydrates are critical in that they provide the energy we

need to function well and to lead an active life style. Of all of the dietary elements,

carbohydrates, represented by a large orange sail, has to be consumed

most frequently in order to meet the body’s energy needs. Sixty percent or more

of an individual’s total energy needs must be satisfied through this food group.

There are two basic types of carbohydrates: complex carbohydrates such as

starch, and simple or refined carbohydrates such as sucrose, maltose, or lactose.

Carbohydrates should preferably be eaten in the form of starch which is absorbed

into the bloodstream more slowly than simple carbohydrates. This slower absorption,

as compared with the rapid absorption of simple carbohydrates, is beneficial

because it does not produce the concentrated peaks of large glucose production

that simple carbohydrates does and therefore does not require the production of

large quantities of insulin by the pancreas. When combined with adequate

amounts of soluble dietary fiber, carbohydrates will be digested more slowly,

thereby improving glucose tolerance so critical to the prevention and control of

diabetes.

No less than 85% of carbohydrates eaten must come from starch, with the remaining

15% consumed through simple or refined carbohydrates. Foods containing

high levels of starch include rice, wheat, corn, barley and rye. It is important

that these foods be designated as “ whole grain”, that is, grains that have not

had their shell completely removed or depleted through industrial processing.

Pasta is also an excellent source of carbohydrates, and pastas too should be

“whole grain. Other sources of carbohydrates include potatoes, yucca, and bananas,

among others. Foods containing high concentrations of simple or refined

carbohydrates, which should be consumed in limited quantities, include jam,

candy, donuts, cakes, cookies, sugary beverages and other foods containing large

quantities of sucrose, maltose or lactose.

Fats

(represented by a medium yellow sail)

Fats are represented by a medium yellow sail, indicating that 25‐30% of an individual’s

total energy needs should be met through this type of food.

The most common fats in the human diet are triglycerides and cholesterol esters.

Triglycerides may be saturated or unsaturated, depending on the presence or absence

of what are called “double bonds.” If a fatty acid contains only one double

bond between two carbon atoms, the fat is considered to be mono‐unsaturated.

Fat containing two or more double bonds are considered to be poly‐unsaturated.

Of the total energy received through the ingestion of fat, 5 –10% should be in the

form of saturated fats; another 10% in the form of mono‐saturated fats; and the

remaining 10% as poly‐saturated fats.

Fats may have an animal or plant origin. Animal fats are generally saturated fats.

Food containing this type of fat are also generally rich in cholesterol. With the exception

of coconut and palm oil, fats originating in plants, known as oils, contain

a greater amount of unsaturated fat.

The fats we consume may be visible or invisible. Visible fats include fats used for

cooking, such as oils, lard or bacon, or those served at the table, such as butter,

cream cheese or margarine. Because this type of fat is visible, it can be easily

avoided. Non‐visible fat, on the other hand, cannot be seen, even though it is present

in many of the foods we eat. These fats can be found in meat, fish, eggs, milk,

and nuts, among others.

Fats are also classified as being non‐essential or essential, depending upon the

body’s capacity to synthesize its own fatty acids. The non‐essential group consists

of fat produced by ones own body; essential fatty acids must be supplied

through one’s diet in quantities equivalent to 3 – 5% of an individual’s total energy

needs.

Excessive fat consumption is associated with many medium and long‐term health

implications. This is especially true of foods rich in saturated fat and fatty acids.

Limited consumption of pork, beef, lamb, bacon, lard, butter, chicken skin, cream

cheese, whole milk and fatty cheeses is therefore recommended. Coconut, palm

and avocado oils also have a high saturated fat content. Fats that are liquid at

room temperature, in contrast, are rich in polyunsaturated fats and can be found

in vegetable oils such as olive, soy, corn, sunflower, sesame and peanut oils.

When preparing food rich in fat, especially fried foods, it is important to avoid

overheating the fat or reusing it to the point where its essential qualities are

altered. This can produce toxic substances in the fat leading to various illnesses,

including cancer.

Proteins

(represented by a small red sail on the Balanced Diet ship))

Food containing large amounts of protein are represented by a small red sail, suggesting

that this type of food should be consumed in amounts smaller than those

recommended for any of the other food groups.

Foods containing protein should satisfy 10‐15% of an individual’s total energy

needs. However, the fundamental nutritional purpose for consuming proteins is

not their use as an energy source but rather their role in the process of cell multiplication

and the repair of body tissues.

Proteins are made up of simpler structural units known as amino acids. There are

currently 22 different types of amino acids.

Amino acids too are classified as essential and non‐essential. Non‐essential amino

acids can be synthesized from carbohydrate and nitrogen residues, whereas essential

amino acids cannot be produced this way and must be obtained through

one’s diet.

Proteins must be digested before their constituent amino acids can be released

and subsequently absorbed. The digestion of protein begins in the stomach and is

completed in the small intestine, with help from the pancreas. The nutritional

quality of the proteins found in food depends, among other things, upon their digestibility

and upon their biological use and importance once they have been

digested and their constituent amino acids absorbed. A protein is considered

complete from a nutritional perspective if it contains all essential amino acids in

the correct proportions, as is true for milk and egg proteins.

Dietary proteins can also be of animal or plant origin. Animal proteins tend to

have a higher amino acid score and a higher level of digestibility, adding to their

nutritional value.

Many experts believe that 50% of the total amount of protein consumed should

be of animal origin and the remaining 50% of plant origin, although this may vary

depending on the individual’s life style, functional capacity and health.

Excellent sources of animal protein include milk, meat and meat products, freerange

poultry, fish, eggs and internal organs such as the heart, liver and spleen.

Plant‐based foods, such as grains and legumes or beans, make the greatest quantitative

contribution in meeting an individual’s protein needs, especially in developing

countries. When grains and legumes are combined in appropriate proportions,

amino acid mixtures that significantly reduce the actual need for animalbased

proteins can be achieved. Vegetables, tubers and other starchy foods provide

very little protein, and any protein obtained from these foods is of poor nutritional

quality.

Foods of animal origin are often related to food‐borne illnesses caused by biological

contaminants. It is therefore important to be sure that these types of foods

are fully and evenly cooked by applying enough heat to allow the thermal center

of these foods to reach 70 degrees. You should also avoid cross contamination

from other uncooked foods or contaminated surfaces.

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Study: Nutritional State, Food Intake & Physical Activity

2009-06-15T15:26:00.000-07:00

Poor nutrition due to excess caloric intake is the result of a positive energy balance

that is maintained over a period of time and which can be observed in the

earliest stages of life. This study was therefore undertaken for the purpose of analyzing

food energy intake behavior and physical activity in 1,776 school children,

who underwent anthropomorphic nutritional evaluation. A high prevalence of

childhood obesity was found, as well as a high proportion of school children with

excessive energy intake and a high percentage of school children classified as sedentary.

Among those identified as obese, food energy intake behavior and low

physical activity levels justified a different nutritional classification from that of

healthy school children, a greater number of whom were characterized by lower

food energy intake. These results point to the need to take immediate steps to

improve eating habits and to increase levels of moderate and intense physical activity

in order to combat the problem of childhood obesity in the study population.

Introduction

Childhood obesity constitutes to be one of the principal health problems in most

of the countries where such behavior and its principal causes are studied.

The ratio of food energy intake to the level of physical activity is one of the principal

environmental factors related to childhood obesity. It is generally accepted

that increased physical activity plays a significant role in reducing the prevalence

of the illness and can even help to prevent it altogether.

The goal of this study was to observe the relationship in Aruban school children

between physical activity and food energy intake, and anthropometric nutritional

classification.

Methods

An anthropometric nutrition, physical activity and food energy intake study was

undertaken with 1,776 school children between six and eleven years of age. The

distribution of the 1,776 school children selected, by age and sex, was as follows:

244 six year olds, 286 seven year olds, 282 eight year olds, 291 nine year olds, 308

ten year olds, and 365 eleven year olds. 868 (48.8%) were girls, and 908 (51.1%)

were boys.

The anthropometric nutritional evaluation was carried out by measuring weight

and height, and the resulting body mass indexes were determined. For classification

purposes, the results of these measurements were compared with the WHO

reference group percentiles. The children were classified as healthy, overweight,

or obese.

Research into physical activity was carried out by means of a survey administered

to the parents of the children under study covering customary physical activity

classified by type, frequency, and duration.

Research into food energy intake was performed by means of semi‐quantitative

surveys covering frequency of food consumption, which were evaluated by an

automated system.

Click here to read the results

Article: Institute of Nutrition and Dietary Health

2009-06-15T15:23:00.000-07:00

Large numbers of health organizations, groups of experts, and nutritionists are

looking with increasing concern at the spread of obesity and obesity‐related noncommunicable

chronic health problems throughout the Caribbean Basin and Central

and South America. The region has enjoyed unprecedented economic growth

as a result of what has been called the “smokeless economy”—increased international

tourism together with unparalleled advancement in communications technology

and the specialized services industry. This economic boom has also led to

the development of new dietary habits typical of so‐called First World societies,

which are largely replacing traditional regional diets. The obesity resulting from

this “overnourishment” goes hand in hand with severe nutrient deficiencies, ranging

from a lack of specific micronutrients such as iron and vitamin A to outright

malnourishment. The author provides an overview of the current situation and

offers policies and recommendations in an attempt to promote successful intervention.

A significant impact on the current situation can only be made through

joint effort by government authorities, health officials, professionals, and the

population in general.

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Solutions to Child Obesity in the Caribbean

2009-06-15T15:16:00.000-07:00

Summary

The increase of child obesity in the Caribbean is a health problem due to the complications

among children and the consequences that it can produce in adult life

such as non‐transmittable chronic disease; therefore it is necessary to face this

problem in an effective way in order to achieve the best results in a short period

of time. In this research we present actions that a preventative health plan should

include for the Caribbean community. Among these actions are the active participation

of the individual gradually increasing moderate to intense physical activity

in order to achieve at the same time develop an awareness of healthy eating habits.

Introduction

Obesity is the result of the existence of a positive energetic balance that is prolonged

over an extended period of time, and recently constitutes a pandemic disease

that affects individuals of all races, latitudes, genders and ages, without taking

into consideration their socio‐economic level.

Each year this problem affects more and more young people in the Caribbean region.

The only effective treatment against obesity is getting a negative energetic balance

by increasing the physical activity and reducing the ingestion calories from

food; therefore its necessary to take actions focused in developing healthy lifestyles

by doing moderate to intense physical activities accompanied by eating a

balanced diet.

In order to develop a community that practices a healthy lifestyle it's necessary

that they are actively looking for ways to maintain this new lifestyle.

In this study we give an outline of a program with activities to prevent and reduce

excessively bad nutrition among boys and girls, integrating actions that include

creating an organization against obesity, to train community leaders in subjects

such as physical fitness, healthy diets, increasing social interaction through

healthy lifestyles.

This intervention program can be applied with a good chance of success among

the Caribbean and Latin American countries, which should have as a main priority

the rapid and direct confrontation of this epidemic that is affecting us.

Development

This program of activities includes ways to promote, prevent, curate and rehabilitation.

This program is integrated for: Organizations against obesity, social integrations

of physical activity and healthy diets, training teachers, parents, children

and food venders.

ORGANIZATION AGAINST CHILD OBESITY

The creation of the Organization Against Child Obesity is one of the more efficient

and effective ways that a community can develop a successful application of

measures to fight this disease.

The creation of such an organization facilitates the formation and function of an

organization that contributes to avoid and reduce overweight and obesity. This

organization must implement physical activities in order to make people more

aware of a healthy diet and lifestyle.

In the creation and function of this organization the people who participate must

be somehow related in this noble cause, such as government officials, educators,

doctors, venders and any kind of community leaders.

Based on democratic principles, the development of educational procedures and

the updating of scientific information, the organization must work to inform all

people about prevention and the reduction of a sedentary life, bad health habits,

and obesity.

OUTLINE FOR TRAINING

It is not possible defeat child obesity without knowledge among teachers, parents

and children on nutrition and physical activity.

Informing teachers about healthy lifestyles and training them to teach parents

and children is a good strategy to bring this knowledge to the public.

The courses to train teachers must include the following subjects:

‐Physical activity; Physical education classes; Extracurricular physical activities:

such as sports, dances, games and individual exercise.

‐ The state of nutrition among children ages 6 to 11 in Aruba: To understand the

bad nutritional habits in a school and the possible effects on health. Procedures to

avoid and eliminate unhealthy behaviors.

‐The relation that exists between a sedentary lifestyle, bad food habits and obesity,

and other consequences to the health of children.

‐Good hygiene in the preparation of foods.

‐Procedures to train parents on subjects such as physical activity, nutrition, hygiene

in order to make the children healthier.

In courses for the parents the following topics must be taught:

‐Introduction of physical activity. For example, Physical Education classes, sports,

dances, and extracurricular activities among other things.

‐ Basic principles of nutrition. Measures to preserve nutritional quality and maintain

a sufficient level of anti‐oxidants in foods.

‐ Healthy nutrition

‐ Healthy preservation of food.

‐ Procedures to elevate the level of physical activity and healthy lifestyles among

children.

‐ A plan to educate children in physical activities, nutrition and hygiene.

The prevention and reduction of obesity is only possible with the awareness of

those who suffer from this disease. In the case of children, besides the possibility

that their age allows them to remain naive, they should have the knowledge to

use opportunities in order to create more active and healthy people. The children

will receive a book called "How to be Successful!" (¡Cómo ser vencedores!). It includes

the following topics:

‐The benefits of regularly practicing sports.

‐Foods: The characteristics of different food groups.

‐Good nutritional habits: Food that should be eaten more often and food that

should be avoided.

‐Healthy preservation of food.

‐Healthy active children.

‐Training of food handlers.

SOCIAL COMMUNICATION ABOUT HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

Educational messages should be given to the community about the doing moderate

to intense physical activities, good food habits and healthy preservation of

food.

These messages should include the following:

‐Moderate to intense physical activities in order to improve health and physical

appearance.

‐Do at least 90 minutes of physical activity every day.

‐If you desire to be healthy, you can do it.

‐Make a conscious decision to be active and improve your lifestyle.

‐Participate in "Physical Activity Day".

‐Walk to and from school.

‐Relax after working out.

‐Take appropriate measures to avoid injury when doing physical activity.

‐Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

‐It is better to eat smaller portions, and more frequently during the day.

‐Eat portions of fruits and vegetables and least 9 times each day.

‐Avoid fried foods.

‐Eating foods high in fat is bad for your health.

‐Eat fish and chicken instead of pork and meat.

‐Consume dairy products that are low in fat.

‐Reduce the consumption of salts of all kinds, but if you do eat it, Iodized salt is

the healthiest.

‐Reduce the consumption of simple sugars.

‐Eat natural juices of fruits and vegetable that do not contain sugars and additives.

‐Eat complete, balanced meals.

‐Reduce eating stuffing, smoked and salty foods.

‐Guarantee the preservation of the food.

ACTIONS TO INCREASE THE LEVEL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

A plan must be developed that allows the accommodation of physical activity for

at least 90 minutes each day. Ideally, thirty of those minutes should be at a high

level of physical activity.

The 90 minutes can be split up throughout the day into smaller workouts: 10 minutes

for moderate activity, and 5 minutes for intense activities.

These actions should be a part of the physical education at school, combined with

extra curricular activities, with active guidance of teachers, parents and children.

ACTIONS THAT PROMOTE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

1. A movement to promote eating a balanced breakfast.

2. A movement to promote healthy nutrition.

3. To build a healthy life through nutrition.

PROCEDURE

Based on the results of surveys given to parents and teachers it was possible to

identify that children do not eat breakfast, and how parents and teachers perceive

this habit.

As part of the training given to teachers, parents and children, they must be reminded

of the importance of eating breakfast each morning.

With the participation of teachers, administrators, and promoters meetings must

be held with parents according to the grade level of their children in order to:

‐Identify the problem of the children missing breakfast,

‐ Analyze the cause of this problem and,

‐ Find possible solutions so that children can eat a healthy breakfast every day.

The teachers, with the authorization of parents will make sure that children eat

breakfast every day.

Teachers, parents and children will implement actions that should always be followed

in order to facilitate, strengthen, in order to make sure that children are

eating breakfast every day.

Based on the results of surveys given to parents and teachers, it is possible to

identify the children that consume excessive fried foods and refined sugars, and

also children that don't eat enough fruits and vegetables, and the teachers and

parents perception about this problem.

As part of the training of parents, teachers and children they must be informed

about the benefits of limiting or reducing fried foods and refined sugars, also increasing

the consumption of fruits and vegetables to at least five times per day.

With the participation of teachers, facilitators and promoters, meetings must be

held with parents according to their children's grade level in order to:

‐ Identify excessive consumption of fried foods and refined sugar by children,

‐Determine the average level of consumption of fruits and vegetables,

‐Analyze the caused of these habits and find possible solutions in order to help

children develop their own healthy lifestyle.

With the permission of parents, teachers must monitor the nutritional behavior of

children in order to identify the best solutions to the problem.

Click here for more information and action plans

A holistic approach to combating child obesity

2009-06-15T15:06:00.000-07:00

The following messages will help to preserve good heath:

• Eat slowly. Chew thoroughly!!

• Your body weight depends a lot on your diet. Know your proper body weight!

• Always eat a variety of foods. It tastes better that way, and it is better for you.

• It is healthier to eat smaller portions many times a day.

• Every day should begin with a breakfast that provides sufficient quantity and

quality.

• Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables each day contributes significantly to a

healthy life.

• Your diet will be healthier if it contains different types of grains, especially

whole grains.

• Lean meat, fish, and skinless chicken are all an important part of a healthy

diet.

• Eating small amounts of vegetable oils will protect your health. Use them instead

of animal fats!

• Dairy products in the diet should be low in fat.

• Drinks and foods high in refined sugars should be eaten in small amounts.

• Reduce the amount of salt (sodium) you put on food.

• Drink a proper amount of safe drinking water every day.

• Take proper sanitary measures when preparing and storing food to ensure its

safety.

• Always eat as a family.

REMEMBER THAT ONLY A HEALTHY DIET CAN ADD YEARS TO YOUR LIFE AND PUT

MORE LIFE INTO EACH YEAR.

Click here to read the entire plan, and guide to kick start your healthy child and family

Study: Poor Nutrition Due to Excess Calorie Intake

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Objectives:

1. Identify poor nutrition due to excess calorie intake in 6 to 11 year‐old

school children.

2. Identify health problems (high blood pressure, dyslipidemias, frequent

signs of pubescent development, skin conditions, skeletal deformities, and cavities

) from poor nutrition and excess calorie intake found in the population studied.

3. Determine the factors (aspects of nutrition, physical activity, personal and

family Hx) that may be related to excess calorie intake in the children studied.

4. Create a program designed to reduce poor nutrition due to excess calorie

intake in the children studied, and evaluate its short‐term effects.

Methods

To identify poor nutrition due to excess caloric intake the following study was conducted:

Anthropometric Evaluation: to 3952 school children

Physical Exam: to 3952 school children.

Biochemical analysis: a selection of 325 school children

Surveys on associated factors: to 1776 selected school children.

Energetic output measurements: to 42 selected school children

School environment: at 15 schools.

Knowledge and opinion: of 2206 Arubians (92 teachers, 2034 parents, 52 food

handlers y 28 business people).

An Intervention program for school children to reduce poor nutrition due to excess

calorie intake was implemented.

Based on the current scientific literature, the characteristics of Aruba and the risk

factors related to childhood obesity that were identified in this study, an intervention

program was designed with actions in the fields of promotion, prevention,

treatment and rehabilitation

Results y Discussion

Childhood Obesity

Increases from 21,6% at 6 years of age to 33,6% at 11 years of age.

In 1046 obese kids 468 (44,7%) were female and 578 (55,2%) were male

Height/Age

We found higher values for the index of height over age in the obese and overweight

(respectively 39.7% y 21.0%), population in relation to those found with

the normal weight and underweight subjects (respectively 15.5% y 12.8%).

Types of Obesity

Within the 1046 school children we found a predominantly central type of obesity

according to the following indicators:

Circumference of the waist: 729 (69,6%), (CDC)

Cw/Ch Index: 734 (70,1%), (Martinez y col)

Index Skin fold Tricep/Skin fold Sub Scapula: 698 (66,7%), (Moreno y col)

Morbid Obesity

Of the 1046 school children 124 (11,8%) were found to be morbidly obese.

Physical Exam

Arterial pressure in one take

240 (22,9%) of the 1046 obese and 46 (11,1%) of the 418 overweight children had

elevated blood pressure.

Where as of the 2309 normal weight we only found 210 (9,1%) with the same results.

Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia was found in the:

10 (4.2%) of the overweight group and in

54 (9.3%) of the obese.

Biochemistry

In the biochemical studies of the blood of the 325 school children studied there

were no abnormal values glycemia or hemoglobin found.

Associated factors in 1776 school children

Physical activity:

Sedentary 1376 (77,4%),

Active 400 (22,5%).

Food (energy) intake:

Adequate in 552 (31,1%),

Inadequate by excess in 989 (55,6%),

Inadequate by deficiency in 235 (13,2%).

Energetic Output by movement of 42 school children.

Other associated factors

Exclusive breastfeeding (6 months)

Eating frequency

The largest meal of the day

Antioxidant quality of the diet

Preferred likes and tastes of the food consumed

Personal history

Family history

School environment,

Perception of risk and danger related to childhood obesity

Intervention program has five integrated components

Creation y development of “Comunidad cu vitalidad” (non‐profit foundation);

Social communication on physical activity and balanced healthy nutrition;

Educating teachers, parents, school children, food handlers and business people;

Programs to increase physical activities;

Programs that allow you to make healthier eating choices.

At the end of the school year

An evaluation was done to determine the short‐term effects of the intervention

program.

Click here to read the conclusion

Anthropometrical nutrition study of six to eleven

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An anthropometrical nutrition study was performed in order to identify poor nutrition due to excess calorie intake among six to eleven year‐old school children in Aruba, and to identify the features of these dietary issues within the population studied. It was found that 26.5% of the population was obese and 10.6% was overweight. 124 children were found to be morbidly obese with a predominant central distribution of body fat. The obese children were generally tall for their age, which indicates that this characteristic in the population studied is related to exogenous or secondary obesity resulting from low levels of moderate and intense physical activity and poor dietary habits.

Introduction

Obesity is a pandemic that affects various age groups, regardless of race, sex or social status. Obesity has adverse consequences on body functions, which causes alterations in various body subsystems and affects the morbidity and mortality rates of a population by significantly increasing the incidence of type II diabetes arterial hypertension cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease some types of cancer and obstructive sleep apnea among others. It should receive special attention and care when found in children. In recent years, the number of children suffering from this illness has increased at an alarming rate, which means that diagnosis and treatment should be performed as early as possible due to health conditions that may arise during childhood. Obesity is one of the principal causes of high blood pressure in children and adolescents, and vascular complications in young adults; it is also a significant factor in the increased prevalence of adult obesity due to an increased number of adipocytes, which lead to increased deposits of neutral fats in later stages of life.

The purpose of this study was to identify obesity in six to eleven year‐old Aruban school children, and determine the most important features of this illness in the affected population.

Methodology

In order to determine the prevalence of poor nutrition due to excess calorie intake

among the six to eleven year‐old population in Aruba, an anthropometrical nutrition study of 3952 school children was performed. Measurements were made using the technique described in Weiner and Lourie’s International Biological Program13. Weight; height; tricipital, subscapular, and supra-iliac skin fold thicknesses; and arm, waist, and hip circumferences were measured. Height/Weight, Weight/Age, Height/Age, Waist/Hip Ratios, Body Mass Index, Areas of Fat and Muscle in the Arm, and Tricipital/Subscapular Skinfold Ratios

were calculated. The results of these measurements, except for waist/hip and tricipital/ subscapular skinfold ratios, were classified by comparison to reference percentiles published by the WHO. The results of all measurements and ratios were evaluated as a whole in order to determine the nutritional state of each individual studied. These individuals were then classified as obese, overweight, normal or healthy, or malnourished.

Click here to read the results

Factors Associated with Childhood Obesity

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Childhood obesity has become an important problem on a global scale over the last few years. This report represents a study performed with the objective of identifying factors associated with poor nutrition due to excess caloric intake in Aruban school children ages six to eleven years. 1,776 school children were chosen for this study, 523 of whom were obese, 208 overweight and 1045 in the normal, healthy weight range, and whose parents, teachers, food handlers and merchants were surveyed with respect to nutrition, personal background and family members. In addition, surveys were performed concerning school conditions as they related to childhood obesity. The results obtained coincide with those found by other authors: overweight and obese children have a history of lower‐than usual consumption of breast milk along with premature initiation into complementary nutrition, skipping breakfast, elevated consumption of foods rich in simple sugars and neutral fats at snack times and elevated consumption of high energy foods during the late hours of the day, accompanied by low consumption of fruits and vegetables. Factors considered compatible with secondary or exogenous causes of obesity were found. It is concluded that the childhood obesity observed is a problem associated with lifestyle, and can thus be modified via health measures undertaken to correct it.

Introduction

Poor nutrition due to excess caloric intake constitutes an important health problem because of its effects on the adult population1. It is becoming increasingly common in girls as well as in boys2,3 which is why it is necessary to study its causes in order to develop the necessary measures that will allow for its elimination and prevention. This study was performed with the goal of identifying factors that may be related to childhood obesity in Aruban school children ages six to eleven years.

Methods

A study was performed with the aim of identifying factors that may be related to poor nutrition due to excess caloric intake among the study population. To carry out this study, 1776 school children were selected, among whom 523 were obese, 208 were overweight and 1045 were in the normal weight range. Information regarding other aspects associated with childhood obesity in relation to this study was obtained by surveying 2034 parents, 92 teachers, 52 food handlers and 28 merchants. The surveys were designed and carried out in relation to nutritional history and other factors associated with obesity. Conditions at the schools that could facilitate poor nutrition through excess caloric intake were investigated, as well as the level of understanding and perceptions of childhood obesity among teachers, parents, food handlers and merchants who work at the schools or are involved with them.

Click here to read the results: