MDNews - San Antonio

+++++++++++++++++ + +++ +PEDIATRICS ��� +++ +++++++++++++++++ Childhood Obesity is Not a one-Size-Fits-all Problem By Ivonne Sahagun-Carreon, M.D. W HeN deALiNG wiTH children who are obese or at risk of becoming obese, physicians must learn to treat each child and family as a unique situation. It is not possible to tackle the problem of obesity by using a cookbook recipe or a fixed template, as it is impossible to create a single plan of attack that will fit everyone. Physicians must carefully interview each child and preferably his or her guardian or parent. In listening to the answers both give and observing their interaction, an astute physician can deduce how each individual confronts or denies the problem. You may see defiance, accusations, blame shifting and even defeat from either party. In contrast, you may also see which child-parent relationship may be more amenable to intervention and how intense this intervention may be. For example, a child and guardian who resent each other may not benefit from a conversation that pinpoints cause, as this may be misconstrued as blame. Instead, this relationship dynamic might benefit from a conversation that highlights solutions and plans. Other families might demonstrate a willingness to participate in an open, active dialogue rather than listen to a lecture, and these families may respond more favorably to more facts and less emotion. By trying to understand the root cause of the problem for each child, you can more easily promote solutions that will not overwhelm the child and his or her caretaker. Families must understand it is not acceptable to place blame solely on media, society and school ��� this stance will harbor helplessness and defeat, as these factors cannot be changed. They must also understand that recognizing their role in the situation is the gateway toward making positive changes that lead to success. The point is not to assign blame; rather, families should begin to recognize factors within their control that will empower them to make changes. Since obesity is a health problem that also affects a child���s position in society, physicians should recognize that using non-accusatory language is basic in helping a family keep its dignity intact. No child wants to face the double shame of feeling like an outcast among their peers and also face accusations at the doctor���s office. Obesity is a medical problem as well as a social crisis, and both the integrity of the child���s body, as well as the psyche, must be respected. If children feel their self-esteem is under attack, they may be less willing to make positive changes, and success is less likely. In closing, it is not enough to rattle facts and numbers at a patient. These children have personalities and pride, and they have a place within society. As important as it is to give families as much information as possible, you must temper the information with respect. Physicians who are very familiar with their patients and families will most likely have different approaches based on unique situations and personalities. Dr. Sahagun-Carreon and Michael Carreon own and operate River Valley Pediatrics in Seguin, TX, servicing more than 10,000 active patients in Seguin and the surrounding counties. Dr. Sahagun-Carreon is the author of Kids Living Large, a work of historical nonfiction that chronicles childhood obesity. Michael and his brother, Jaime Carreon, have filmed a documentary shot in high-definition based on the book, which was released in the winter of 2012. For more information, please contact Michael Carreon at carreon123@aol.com. ��� A dV e r t i s e r s ��� i n d e x Amegy Bank .............. Inside Back Cover Myron���s Prime Steakhouse....................13 Provenir ........................................................ 9 Sol Schwartz & Associates....................15 Strasburger Price Oppenheimer Blend ..............................11 Southwest General Hospital ................. Inside Front Cover The Broadway ........................ Back Cover University Health System ....................... 5 UT Health Science Center ...................... 9 18 | San Antonio MD News ��� MdNewS.CoM

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