DALLAS - When parents think of their child and his or her health, cholesterol is likely one of their last concerns. But, some experts say it is one of the most underreported public health problems.
A new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says up to 26 percent of young adults have high cholesterol, which is a low estimate since less than half are ever checked for cholesterol.
High cholesterol is only one among many problems overweight children face, high blood pressure and diabetes are others. They are concerns one North Texas hospital is fighting head on.
Parkland's CHAMPS (Choosing Healthy Activities, Meals and Positive Self-Esteem) program focuses on finding families whose children wouldn't normally get checked for such conditions, which is important considering diseases once primarily diagnosed in 70 year olds are now being found in seven year olds. The goal of the program is reversing that trend.
For most kids, the most important numbers used to be age, grade or phone number. For youngsters in the program, it's blood pressure, blood sugar and the number on the scale.
"Our camp last, we had 11 kids that had high blood pressure or high cholesterol, high glucose readings," said Jeff Howard, Parkland Community Service.
Howard said the reality is disturbing. The CHAMPS camp does more than screen youngsters for the potentially deadly diseases, it also teaches healthy eating habits and the importance of exercise. The camp atmosphere means the children learn that being healthy can also be fun, which is new for many of them.
The children get to choose healthy activities and meals and get a dose of positive self-esteem.
Parkland has found the camp invaluable for a population who usually can't afford camp or counseling. There are two more sessions with openings in the next two weeks.
E-mail: jstjames@wfaa.com
