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JPatraca

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Member Since: 09/13/2007

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JPatraca: Activity

July 24

JPatraca was tagged "Life Saver" by Fireman_Dave.

JPatraca was tagged "Inspiring" by Fireman_Dave.

JPatraca received a gift from Fireman_Dave.

JPatraca is now friends with boomhower.

boomhower

JPatraca is now friends with covrescue51.

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Personal

About Me: I am a Fitness Professional and certified EMT. I train hard and work every day towards my goal and my only career choice...the Fire Department.

My April article in Providence's "Federal Hill Gazette"---------------------------------------- Obesity Among The Young Childhood obesity is becoming one of our greatest challenges in the United States. Obesity is defined as being more than ten percent of your ideal body weight. The number of obese children is growing at an alarming rate and has tripled in the last three decades. It is estimated that close to one third of children in America are overweight or obese. Child obesity is the leading cause of pediatric hypertension and associated with type II diabetes and coronary heart disease. Coronary Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America, according to the American Heart Organization. Carrying all this extra weight can bring on joint and growth problems. It can also bring on arthritis later on in life. Fast food is one of the biggest causes of obesity in children. In today’s economy with both parents working it leaves limited time to prepare nutritious home cooked meals. It’s sometimes easier to turn to fast food. These foods are very high in fat and calories. High sugar beverages like soda, juices and other sweet drinks can be damaging to a child’s weight because they add to a child’s caloric intake without adding any nutritional value. A pound of weight is equal to 3500 calories. A child would gain one pound for each 3500 calories they consume in addition to their caloric need. Estimating caloric need for children up to age five is simple. Add 100 for every year of their age to 1000. A one year old must take in around 1100 calories a day and a five year old needing around 1500 calories a day. One way to figure out the healthy weight on an older child is by using a special body mass index calculator. BMI is a formula that doctors use. It is important to show your child how to eat healthy rather than putting them on a diet. Eating fast food even a couple times a week is making your child familiar and comfortable with eating these foods and will have an affect on their weight. A well balanced diet will help your child return to healthy weight. It should be something the whole family does together and not only the child that is obese. It is best to keep junk food very limited if not at all in the house. It will make the overweight child feel bad that he or she can not eat it. Healthy eating will benefit the whole family. Start preparing your child’s lunch for school. Not all schools produce proper nutrition and offer many sweets and soft drinks. You need to monitor what your child’s eating habits at all times. Breakfast should never be skipped. Besides the nutritional factors, by doing so will leave your child more hungry later in the day and eat more than they should. Obesity can have many psychological effects. This can bring on depression and low self esteem. This could make them more vulnerable to peer pressure. They may be finding comfort in food. Talk to your child and don’t ever criticize them about their weight. Children learn from watching what we do. They do not know how to eat healthy and will not if we do not show them. It seems children are spending a lot more time in front of the TV and computer rather than enjoying physical activities these days. With cable having hundreds channels and the computer offering many social sites, children and adolescents are becoming addicted. Time spent at the TV and computer should be limited. This does not include if the computer is being used for actual school work. Video games are another part of this epidemic and should also be limited. There are now video games out there that involve actual physical activity. These are the video games that should be introduced. They are a lot of fun for the whole family to enjoy together. Lack of exercise is another great cause of child obesity. Exercise is imperative to weight stability and loss. Encourage your child to exercise by making it fun and joining them. Getting them involved in sports is beneficial to their health. It will make them feel like they’re part of a team and will give them confidence. Proper nutrition, exercise and support are all crucial for helping your child return to his or her fitting weight.
Hobbies:: Training and lifting
Favorite Movies:: Goodfellas, Ladder 49, Black Hawk Down, Behind Enemy Lines, Casino, The Departed, Dirty Love
Favorite TV Shows:: Prison Break, Rescue Me
Favorite Music:: Rock

Comment Wall

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weaver1436

3 days ago

25472 comments

dropping in to say hi,keep in touch
Justoneguy

about 1 month ago

3928 comments

just wanted to say hello.. i hope all is well with you.. take care and have a good day
WCFD80

3 months ago

122 comments

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND. STAY SAFE OUT THERE
kurtkamm

3 months ago

17074 comments

KURT KAMM
ONE FOOT IN THE BLACK
nelson932

3 months ago

2710 comments

Get MySpace Comments without leaving myspace!
Justoneguy

4 months ago

3928 comments

hello... just wanted to say hello... i hope all is well with you... take care and be safe
ETFPD829

4 months ago

170 comments

thanks for the add have a great weekend and stay safe
Fireman_Dave

4 months ago

2516 comments

Hello Miss Jennifer. Thanks for the add. Stay safe and have a great weekend.
camitc02

4 months ago

916 comments

thanks for the add!
Account Removed

4 months ago

Thanks for the add, hope you have a wonderful weekend and stay safe
KMacht

4 months ago

270 comments

Thank you for the friendship take care and be safe.
Karn
nelson932

4 months ago

2710 comments

Get MySpace Comments without leaving myspace!
rescue08

4 months ago

2186 comments

have a good 4th
WCFD80

4 months ago

122 comments

have a great 4th and be safe
weaver1436

4 months ago

25472 comments

any big plans for the 4th.stay safe.