Dr. Rovenia Brock Tackles the Obesity Epidemic

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Published on Wednesday, 19 September 2012 14:28

Written by Jackie Jones, BlackAmericaWeb.com

President Obama signed a proclamation last month declaring September National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month and urged Americans to promote healthy living for their children.

The Let’s Move site provides details for parents, educators and health care professionals to make eating right and exercising fun and entertaining for children.

Renowned nutritionist Rovenia “Dr. Ro” Brock is also on a mission to end obesity in the 10 fattest states in the U.S.

Last month, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released its annual obesity rate report, which revealed that 35.7 percent of all American adults are obese.

By region, the South had the highest obesity rate – with several states among the top 12 that have obesity rates that exceed 30 percent of the population. The 12 are: Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and West Virginia.

Dr. Ro, a regular nutrition coach on the Dr. Oz Show and Anderson Cooper Show and a frequent contributor to ABC and NBC and host of “Health Matters,” which appears on a number of PBS stations, has helped over 500,000 Americans lose more than 5 million pounds. The doctor is on Ebony Magazine's " Power 100 List" and was named by More magazine as one of the Top 5 Nutritionists in America.

The author of “Dr. Ro’s Ten Secrets To Livin’ Healthy” also is the creator of Fit Kidz, a series that empowers kids to take charge of their own health.

In the first season of the show, which is available on DVD, Captain Ro and her team of intergalactic Space Agents and Jr. Space Agents travel to Earth looking for Fit Kidz™ who can help them to save the unhealthy kids on Planet Obesia.

And she has a great challenge ahead in fighting obesity.

According to the CDC, just over 29 percent of black adolescent girls were likely to be considered obese, compared to 14.5 percent of white adolescent girls – nearly double the rate.

Studies have suggested that the current generation of young people may be the first to have a lower life expectancy than their parents because of the obesity epidemic in the U.S. and all the related diseases and health conditions that likely will develop because young people aren’t getting the exercise they need.

A Swiss study showed that teenagers who exercised vigorously had a better quality of sleep than those who did not. It also showed that adolescent athletes functioned better psychologically at home and at school.

Let's Move!  activities and news can be found on Facebook and Twitter, while tips for adults, as well as children, to control obesity can be found on everythingro.com. 

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I checked my son's blood pressure last night and it read 154 over 100. I am not sure of the normal numbers but should I be concerned?
Yes. normal blood pressure is 115/75. Today kids are eating 3 times more salt than the recommended amount of about 1 teaspoon/day. Season his foods w/ herbs, and fruit juices (orange, lemon) in place of salt and see your doctor for evaluation. Then see a nutritionist on a regular basis. In October, I will offer online nutrition classes and coaching (affordably). Visit my website to sign up at www.everythingro.com.

Which is better, juicing, or blending?
Blending because it contains the fiber and all nutrients from veggies and fruit used in juicing. Add coconut water for a rehydrating, mineral-rich way to make juice from whole veggies and fruit more drinkable.

How can I get my child to want healthier foods?
Put veggies in beans, spaghetti, soups, stews. Cut processed foods (they're higher in sodium, sugar, fat). Put sliced turkey or chicken (rotisserie or your own baked versions), fresh veggies with hummus or yogurt dip, and fresh fruit in clear glass bowls and store in fridge. Put in Ziplock bags and serve for snacks, school lunch and have on hand at all times. Last thing, serve veggies at the table.

What's the best way to my child to gain weight safely and healthfully?
Lots of veggies, fruit, whole grains, low-fat dairy. Think brown rice instead of white, whole grain pasta instead of refined. Cut sugar. Its toxic! Cut salt.

My son is three and weighs 64 lbs. He doesn't eat much but is very chubby. The doctor has us writing down what he eats in a two-week period. What do you think?
Toddlers should gain about 4-6 lbs/yr. so he weighs more than twice what's recommended (about 31 lbs.). Writing down what you eat and drink helps you to keep a record of calories and food choices you're making. Start with serving more veggies and fruits to your toddler. Don't over-feed and don't force him to be member of the clean plate club. Instead join the LEAN PLATE Club. Visit www.everythingro.com for my Fit Kidz DVD series. It's great to help you introduce your toddler to healthy lifestyle in a fun way!

Is it safe to put my kids on "Detox trio"?
No. No detox program is healthy for kids and most are not for adults. Feed your kids whole (unprocessed) foods, control portions, cut salt and sugar and you're on your way!

My baby is 8 months and wants everything I eat now. He weighs 20 plus. I give it to him because he won't stop crying. Is that a bad habit?
The average 9-month-old weighs about 20 lbs. He may be a little ahead of his age in weight, but not to worry. However, feeding him because he cries is NOT the way to go. You're teaching him to eat to get attention. Instead, find out why he's crying. Also I don't know what you eat, but his diet (and yours) should be mostly veggies, fruit, whole grains and milk (for your little one).  Good luck. Visit my website www.everythingro.com and try my Fit Kidz DVD that teaches kidz 2-10 how to live healthy lifestyle and have fun at the same time. Has a parent/teacher guide for you too!

I have a three year old who is 80 pounds. I have her in gymnastics and she plays over two hours a day, eats fruits and vegetables all day but is still gaining weight. What else can I do?
You might want to see a nutritionist to investigate other problems.

Which vegetables give you energy?
Leafy greens (collards, kale, mustard, and turnip greens), asparagus, broccoli, spring mix, Brussels sprouts. However, all veggies are chocked-full of vitamins, minerals which put more spring in your step. Veggies are lower in calories, higher in nutrients and water so they also help in weight-loss. Eat Up!

I am really concerned about my two granddaughters that are 9 and 10 years old. They are over 100 lbs. Please get me started.
Visit my website www.everythingro.com start with Fit Kidz DVD series then email from website.

How much should a 9 year old boy who is 4 and a half feet tall weigh?
52-56 lbs.

Please tell me some foods that I could give my daughter. She is 15 years old and she weighs 275 pounds. We have tried going to the gym this past summer but it's just not coming off fast enough.
Weight-loss (even for kids) is a process. It took time for her to get to 275 lbs and should take time for her to lose it safely (at a rate of 1-2 lbs./week). Be patient with her. Let her know how much you love her. See a nutritionist. At home and away, start with controlling portions, cut sugar, salt (season foods with herbs, spices, juices of fruits-lemon, orange, tomato, instead).

My grandson turned 13 in January and is weighing over 200 pounds. Can you tell me where I can get some help for him?
Visit my website and email me from there www.everythingro.com.

I have a daughter who is 15 years old. She's 5'8" and 231 lbs. She has expressed her want to lose weight, but food is what makes her happy. What can I do or what programs are out there? She's not accepting my help because I'm dad. 
Be patient with her. Let her know that you love her, period. See a nutritionist who's specialty is emotional eating and hormonal balance (either could be the problem). I do this work: email me from my website (where beginning in October, I'll offer online nutrition coaching and classes). www.everythingro.com

My baby is 13 years old, but she is over weight. Kids pick on her at school.
I'm so sorry that your child is being taunted. Kids can be cruel. Start by helping her to control portions, eat lean, clean (fresh veggies, fresh fruit, lean fish, chicken, turkey, whole grains), no processed foods (they're high in sodium, sugar, fat). Teach her to organize her plate or meal so that half the plate contains veggies, 1-forth contains lean protein, and final forth-whole grains. My book, "Dr. Ro's Ten Secrets To Livin' Healthy", lays out all of the info you and your daughter need to eat this way plus provides a walking-based exercise plan, meal plan, and recipes of some of your favorites foods (I'm sure). If you need to see a nutritionist (which I also recommend) I will offer online nutrition classes and coaching beginning in October. Visit www.everythingro.com There are also lots of nutrition, fitness, and health tips there too!

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