Mad after Manicure!

So today I had my nails done at a local nail salon in my area. I have been there every week or two for the past month and each time I leave frustrated. No, I didn't leave upset at a bad mani/pedi. I leave annoyed at witnessing the poor eating habits of the owner's 2 daughters. And let's be real for a minute. I love eating junk as much as the next person. However, even I have my limits. In the past 4 weeks, I have witnessed the 7 year old eat a ridiculous amount of food with no nutritional value. On my first visit, she ate bag of candy, fried chicken, and beef jerky. On my next visit, she had another bag of candy, pretzels dipped in melted cheese, and 4 fried chicken wings with shrimp fried rice. The chicken and rice looked so yummy that I even went next-door and ordered the same thing. After eating it, I felt like a sluggish bloated pig. On visit 3, she had an entire small pizza from the pizza shop nearby and a big bag of potato chips. And today, more chicken. She ate at least 9 fried chicken fingers (from the gas station), a box of huge potato wedges, and more candy! I was so annoyed that I willed myself to not show my disgust on my face. I think I failed though! Mind you, I just found out she is 7. I clearly thought she was at least 11 or 12.

So why does this effect me? Because at the risk of sounding like an old school Whitney Houston Song, "I believe the children are our future". And she is throwing her life away by throwing her health away. I was also frustrated with her parents for allowing her to eat in this fashion and for not insisting that she have healthier options. I am not a mother yet. However, I think it is our job to protect our children. And part of protecting them is ensuring that they are not only safe, but healthy. Allowing such behavior is essentially facilitating taking years off of your child's life. Child abuse! I have sold cardiovascular medications in the past and know that children are beginning high blood pressure and cholesterol medications earlier than they should. If this young girl continues this pattern, she will have ALL of the risk factors for metabolic syndrome by the age of 15. That is horrible and heartbreaking! Our children have so much potential. A poor diet and a lack of physical activity can indirectly cause them to not unlock that potential.

Now that my venting is done, I find it pertinent to give my readers resources to combat childhood obesity. It begins at home! Learning healthy habits early is essential in becoming a healthy adults. We must remember, children learn what they live! A respected friend, Sheri Jenkins (former Mrs. Pennsylvania International) founded an organization called Mom's Who Care. On her website, she offers a wealth of information, tips, and links to help you make changes within your own family. It is easier than you think. Enjoy!