With childhood obesity reaching epidemic proportions in United States, many states are mandating measurement of BMI in preschoolers and school children, hoping to get a grip on situation. The consequences of obesity are having a dramatic effect of quality of peoples lives. Many overweight and obese children suffer a loss of self esteem, and are embarrassed or humiliated by their peers. These children also face serious health risks such as development of type-2 diabetes, hypertension and gallbladder problems, which can leave serious long-term damage.

Just as a note, "twenty-five years ago, type 2 diabetes - which is caused by obesity and inactivity - was considered a disease that afflicted only adults. Today, type 2 diabetes is most common form of diabetes in children .... one out of four overweight children is developing diabetes." Type 2 diabetes is leading cause of blindness, kidney failure and amputations. You CAN do something to stop this dreaded disease!

Dealing with weight problems as a family is a good idea. Don't single out overweight child. Don't announce plans to change way your family eats. The best way to bring about positive change is to introduce it gradually with as little fuss as possible. When grocery shopping, leave your children at home if possible, and forget chips and fatty snacks. Load up on fruits, vegetables, popcorn and pretzels instead. One of best ways to help your overweight child to slim down is by using principal of substitution. When your child starts digging around looking for something to eat, if he is really hungry he will improvise. If not, he will do without. In doing this, you will be able to exert some measure of control over what your child is eating without ever saying a word.

Getting family involved in physical activities not only brings family closer together, it is an important factor in losing weight and reducing stress. Make time to go for a hike, ride bikes, swim, or ski. You'll be glad you did.

Possible solutions- medicine or natural cures Doctors may tell people to eat fewer foods that cause gas. However, for some people this may mean cutting out healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and milk products. Doctors may also suggest limiting high-fat foods to reduce bloating and discomfort. This helps stomach empty faster, allowing gases to move into small intestine. Unfortunately, there are few marketed products available to manage problem. One herbal-tablet product, called: "Bean-O", claims to reduce gas when sprinkled on foods such as beans, but it proved only marginally effective in testing. Drugs are usually a last resort because of expense and side-effects, but even this option, available with drugs such as GAS-X, is only minimally effective. There are no drugs for daily use to eliminate odor in gas such as occurs in normally healthy people. Natural things we can do to minimize gas is to eat slowly, chew thoroughly, sip rather than gulp liquids, minimize fizzy beverages and, not chew gum.

Newest High Tech Solutions

The latest and most ingenious solution for those malodorous gas makers is use of activated charcoal technology. Activated Charcoal Cloth (ACC) is produced in a flexible textile form. This material absorbs odors more effectively, per unit area, than any other known agent can absorb.

Flat-D Innovations has tackled odors of flatulence with help of this technology. They manufacture a Flatulence Deodorizer (Flat-D) reusable flatulence deodorizing pad that is placed in underwear, next to buttocks. When gas is expelled through ACC pad it effectively absorbs odor associated with gas. This is most simple, cost-effective, non-drug solution for worst odor body makes. This material is lightweight, extremely thin (1/16th of an inch), washable and reusable. For many, Flat-D will end embarrassment because you will not have tell- tale odors around you.

For more information on Flat-D Innovations products visit their web site at www.flat-d.com. The author, Frank Morosky, is company’s vice president and “Flatulence Guru”. Feel free to contact him at frank@flat-d.com or 319-447-4840