It’s that time of year again when the dreaded “R” word will be dominating our lives for the next few weeks. I am talking about the word resolution.
Try as we might, many of us have waged countless battles hoping to rein in healthier habits each year. By the time March rolls around, we will have given up the fight, shelving it until next year.
More than ever, we owe it to our children to adopt healthier lifestyles. The latest statistics surrounding our children’s well-being are frightening.
America is facing a giant epidemic: One in three children is dangerously overweight. The economic cost of preventable chronic diseases has reached a staggering $1 trillion. Diabetes alone commands a whopping $174 billion annually.
Based on a metabolic syndrome study conducted by the University of California at San Francisco, between 25 and 40 percent of children who are overweight will have metabolic syndrome, which sets the stage for diabetes and heart problems.
It is said that overweight children are more likely to become overweight or obese adults. That’s a difficult cycle to break. Medical experts have blamed cancer, stroke and heart disease — the three leading causes of death in adults — on poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle.
Something must be done about this pandemic. That is why three Federal Way churches have teamed up with a major health and fitness group to sound the alarm among their beloved adherents and residents.
Dr. Andre Sims, pastor of Christ the King Bible Fellowship, has touted the idea to Pastor Jeff MacLurg of Our Savior’s Baptist Church and Pastor Jeff Moorehead of Christ’s Church. Both men readily warmed to the idea.
It must be noted that none of this was created in a vacuum. The United Field Coaches Federation (UFCF), a division of Riley Healthcare, has joined forces with strategic partners across America, including physicians, to help eradicate this burgeoning plague.
On three Sundays (Jan. 16, 23 and 30), the aforementioned churches will open their doors to the community. Under the umbrella of Riley and the UFCF, 105 trained volunteers will conduct free non-invasive screenings for people ages 5 to 95 for metabolic disorders. Each church will rotate its schedule, so check for specific times.
“It is wonderful to know that the faith community can provide services to the public that do not require their paying for something as in car washes or doughnut sales,” Sims said. “The church needs to serve its community in mind, body and soul. We can be a little heavy on the soul side, but could do much better in the other areas.”
Aides will seek to identify early indicators for metabolic disorders as set forth by the medical community. The initial 12-minute screening for each individual consists of basic health questions like “Do you experience breathing problems or have allergies?”
They will record various measurements to determine body mass index (BMI), such as waist to height ratio and hip to waist ratio.
Overweight children with a relatively high waist/height ratio are three times more likely to have risk factors than their peers with a low waist/height ratio, according to The American Academy of Pediatrics.
On completion of the test, each person will receive a 5×7 index card detailing the test result, Sims said.
If measurements are abnormal, they’ll recommend the PSIA Biomarker Saliva Test to further understand the children’s risk factors, and refer them to a pediatrician or family physician for follow-up care.
There is hope for our children. The good news is that the health problems associated with metabolic syndrome respond well to diet and exercise. When children lose weight — even modest amounts — it can reverse the negative effects of metabolic syndrome.
Check it out
Please note that this is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is intended for informational purposes only. Dates, locations, and hours of screening are as follows:
• Jan. 16: Christ the King Bible Fellowship, 3 to 5 p.m.; Our Savior’s Baptist Church, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.; Christ’s Church, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
• Jan. 23: Christ the King Bible Fellowship, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.; Our Savior’s Baptist Church, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.; Christ’s Church, 3 to 5 p.m.
• Jan. 30: Christ’s the King Bible Fellowship, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.; Our Savior’s Baptist Church, 3 to 5 p.m.; Christ’s Church, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Locations and contacts: Christ the King Bible Fellowship is located at 35448 11th Ave. SW, Federal Way, WA 98023; off 356th St.; (253) 835-9209. Our Savior’s Baptist Church, 701 S. 320th St., Federal Way, WA 98003; near 8th Ave. South; (253) 839-6822.
Christ’s Church, 941 S. Dash Point Road, Federal Way, WA 98003; near South 305th Street and 8th Avenue South; (253) 941-2711.
