Book Discussion Supports Focus On First Three Years of Life For Obesity Prevention

NEW YORK CITY — September 22, Alvin Eden, MD discussed the importance of obesity, level of IQ and self esteem in early childhood development to the age of three. Dr Eden spoke at the NYAM fellow author night series on September 18. The informative discussion was based on his revised and updated Positive Parenting, a time honored classic reference guide for parents, and health professionals.

Why the focus on the first three years of life? Numerous studies have shown that early childhood development can influence certain outcomes

Alvin Eden, MD signing his book at the September 18th event.

later in life—obesity, level of IQ and self esteem are all determined by the time a child turns three. Dr Eden said, "I have found that a big set of mistakes are made in the first three years. The brain is pretty much developed by age three. These are the key years."

During the discussion Dr. Eden said, "Obesity is probably the worst addiction that there is. The recidivism rate is quite high. Heroin addicts, alcoholics, people who smoke do better once they stop. Once someone is overweight they cannot keep the weight off for good." He continued to explain that portion size and lack of physical activity are the culprits. When it comes to prevention he said, "The only way we are going to make an inroad is to start earlier. You cannot wait for the six or seven year old who is already obese to treat the problem."

Dr. Eden stressed the importance of remaining engaged with your child in play. Limiting periods of inactivity is the key to developing IQ. Parents can’t necessarily increase IQ, but they can help in not decreasing it.

He believes parents who are overly cautious and fearful of their children "getting into trouble" inadvertently affects self esteem. You can improve self-esteem by allowing your child to explore.

In Positive Parenting, Dr. Eden also tells readers how to decipher the controversies over vaccination and antibiotics, and uncover the effects of video games and educational toys. He also shares valuable insight on how to help a child learn to problem solve, sleep through the night and what impact a working mother has on the development of her child. The book also offers expert advice on language, discipline, socialization, autism and more.

Dr Eden is the author of six child care books including Growing up Thin, the first child-care book to address childhood obesity. He serves as the chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, and is clinical professor of pediatrics at Weill-Cornell Medical Center.

The New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM) has been advancing the health of people in cities since 1847. An independent organization, NYAM addresses the health challenges facing the world’s urban populations through interdisciplinary approaches to policy leadership, education, community engagement and innovative research. Drawing on the expertise of diverse partners worldwide and more than 2,000 elected Fellows from across the professions, our current priorities are to create environments in cities that support healthy aging; to strengthen systems that prevent disease and promote the public’s health; and to implement interventions that eliminate health disparities.

Posted on September 19, 2008

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