Q & A with Dr. Gordon, Assistant Physician In Chief Kaiser Permanente, San Jose Medical Center…
Childhood obesity is an epidemic in the United States. As pediatricians we now frequently see complications of childhood obesity that we never saw before: diabetes type 2, hypertension and hormonal problems. These problems can last a lifetime and lead to stroke, heart attacks, kidney problems and other conditions.
At Kaiser Permanente, we are committed to fighting this epidemic. We encourage breast feeding, avoiding juices in infants and we monitor our patients’ weights at each visit. We advocate water instead of juices, sports drinks and sodas. We advocate home cooked meals instead of fast foods and we encourage at least an hour of play or exercise everyday for children.
What efforts has Kaiser Permanente undertaken to fight childhood obesity?
Kaiser Permanente, along with the Santa Clara County Public Health Department, FIRST 5 Santa Clara County, and the Bay Area Nutrition & Physical Activity Collaborative are all fighting childhood obesity by participating in the ReThink Your Drink campaign.
Families are asked to choose healthy drinks like water, nonfat/lowfat milk, unsweetened ice teas or carbonated water without added sweeteners.
The ReThink Your Drink campaign has over 100 partners that are promoting the message in hospitals and clinics, child care centers, schools, worksites, non-profits, and preschools.
The campaign has many elements:
Pledge cards - provide information on sugar in common beverages and ask adults and children to take a pledge to stop drinking sugary drinks.
Potter the Otter: A Tale About Water Storybook – a bi-lingual (English/Spanish) storybook for young children and their parents which narrates the story of an otter that helps his friends stop drinking sugary drinks and make healthier drink choices. The book includes activities for children, tips for parents, and an action card for parents to commit to serving water to their children.
What can parents or caregivers do?
Make a pledge to stop drinking sugary drinks!
Read Potter the Otter: A Tale About Water story book to any child in your life.
Tell your friends about sweetened beverages and encourage them to drink water, milk or unsweetened beverages.
