Start fighting obesity in kids in preschool with focus on activity

Norman “Chubby” Chaney seemed amusing in the “Our Gang” comedies of the 1930s and ‘40s as an overweight child (he was 3 feet, 11 inches tall and weighed 113 pounds). In part, it was because there just weren’t many. Today nearly 18 percent of kids ages 6-11 are obese, as are 21 percent of those 12-19! Obesity is common and not funny, especially when it comes to children.

A lot of factors contribute to this epidemic (hormone disruptors in receipts and plastics, changes in your intestinal bacteria due to processed foods, the digital sit-and-stare-at-a-screen revolution, inner-city environments, high fructose corn syrup, sugary drinks). It can seem hard to keep your child from becoming overweight. But a recent study from Seattle Children’s Hospital might indicate a good place to start: in your preschool.

Researchers found that U.S. preschoolers get only around 48 minutes of active play a day, when they should be getting two hours or more. And this contributes to everything from being overweight to learning and behavior problems. But when preschoolers play actively indoors (remember duck-duck-goose?) or run around outside for even an hour a day, behavior and learning improve, and so does naptime. So if your child is in day care: ■Help arrange for parent volunteers to come play active games with the kids.

■Set up excursions to local parks where kids can explore and play.

■Provide day care workers with activity-based CDs or videos that will get kids up and moving.

■And suggest using the Cleveland Clinic’s Food Is Knowledge program for pre-K to first grade.

Downside of elective C-sections

Diva and “The Voice” judge Christina Aguilera scheduled an elective cesarean procedure during her 37th week of pregnancy in 2008, when she gave birth to her first child Max. She’s not alone. Almost 27 percent of all births in the U.S. are C-sections in low-risk situations such as Aguilera’s. (“Low risk” is defined as single births, with babies in a good position, at 37 or more weeks of gestation.)

And although C-sections can be life-saving for women and newborns, doctors are trying to reduce the use of elective C-sections. Two new studies show why.

Besides the risks associated with surgery and anesthesia for both mother and baby (repeated fetal anesthesia exposure is a long-term risk to a baby’s brain development), a National Vital Statistics Report shows that mothers need transfusions for C-sections at more than three times the rate of vaginal births; intensive-care admissions were almost six times higher for first-time cesarean deliveries; and by far the highest rates of ruptured uterus and unplanned hysterectomy occur with repeat cesarean deliveries.

Plus, a new study from New York University shows that the child may be at increased risk for Type 1 diabetes (up 19 percent), asthma (up 1.6 percent) and obesity (up 3.6 percent) later in life, perhaps because the child doesn’t pass through the vaginal canal, where a newborn picks up important bacteria for a healthy gut biome and immune system. So before scheduling an elective C-section, make sure you talk with your doctor about all of the risks and benefits for you and your child.

Sex and Apple’s new HealthKit app

Apple recently announced that the update of iOS 9 will allow its HealthKit app -- in a new category called “Reproductive” Health -- to track your sex life (frequency and what contraceptive you used) on your iPhone or Apple Watch. Women will be able to monitor their menstrual cycle and record info on basal body temperature, cervical mucus quality and spotting. That’ll make the HealthKit a digital rhythm-method tracker or fertility booster, depending on how you use the info. You’ll also be able to send the info to your doctor or anonymously share it with scientists conducting research studies. Note: The sex tracker doesn’t work like a pedometer! You put info in AFTER the fact (or act).

Reports have doctors saying it’s not very useful in and of itself; and many on social media echoed that sentiment. One Tweet said: “iOS 9 will include an app to help you track how often you have sex. No, thanks, Apple, I don’t need to be reminded! (Sobs gently).”

But we think it’s one more way to empower YOU. Research shows that a loving, ongoing sex life boosts heart health, eases bladder control problems, reduces stress, increases levels of illness-fighting immunoglobulin A, is associated with generosity and happiness, and makes your RealAge much younger.

Since the HealthKit app also lets you track your weight, physical activity, diet and mood, you can see how changes in those markers seem to correlate with your sexual activity. So we say, tonight tell your honey that you’re doing important health research, and enjoy what you discover!

Watermelon to the rescue

Watermelon is a super food. It has about 40 percent more lycopene per cup than tomatoes. Lycopene boosts levels of a hormone called adiponectin that helps you maintain healthy a blood sugar level, burn fat, cool inflammation, lower LDL (lousy) cholesterol levels and blood pressure, and decrease arterial aging or atherosclerosis. Plus, it encourages cancer cells to die. That’s why lycopene has been associated with reducing the risk for breast, prostate, lung and stomach cancers.

Another good-for-you nutrient found in watermelon is the amino acid L-citrulline. A recent study found that after you work out, citrulline accelerates removal of lactic acid from your body, reducing recovery time and next-day muscle soreness.

Does that mean watermelon can make you run faster or jump higher? Sorry, that seems unlikely. Another study found that eating it doesn’t enhance athletic performance -- although it can help your muscles repair.

So bring slices of watermelon to your child’s next soccer game. And think about juicing up a glass for a thirst-quenching drink after you take a bike ride. Either way, chowing down on watermelon this summer will make you feel better today and tomorrow.