COUNTIES SERVED

Contra Costa County Health Information

In Contra Costa County, more and more preschoolers and toddlers are becoming overweight. According to First 5 Contra Costa Children and Families Commission’s report, the percentage of overweight kids between ages 2 and 5 “has more than doubled in the last 25 years.” More often than not, overweight kids are more likely to carry the extra pounds through their teens and adult life. In fact, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development stated that these kids have greater chances of becoming obese later on. They are also in danger of developing Type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure, some forms of cancer and other diseases. Not only that, the social repercussions of being “fat” will catch up with these weight-challenged kids and teens sooner or later. They may get laughed at, ridiculed, or insulted by their peers because of their size. Sounds scary, doesn’t it?

Overweight or obesity is caused by poor eating habits, unhealthy food choices, and physical inactivity. Although genetics may play a role in developing this medical condition, these three factors weigh in the most. Thus, it is important to emphasize the value of nutrition and exercise early on. Kids should be taught to eat their fruits and veggies, encouraged to be active, and reminded that items such as fast food, chips, sweets, and other junk food are treats that should only be occasionally enjoyed. Hopefully, these kids will be able to develop healthy practices right from the start and continue them through adulthood.

The long list of consequences is definitely not a laughing matter, nor one to be taken lightly. For this reason, parents and guardians must keep a watchful eye on their children’s health. They have the authority to take charge and steer their children away from bad nutrition. It is always best to seek the help of health professionals. Registered dietitians and certified nutritionists can offer sound advice on dieting, losing weight, healthy food choices and much more.

Linda Michaelis, a registered dietitian and certified nutritionist, is a health professional expert in diabetes, weight loss, high blood pressure, child and teen weight loss, high cholesterol and triglycerides, PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), and Prenatal and Postnatal Counseling. You can visit her at her office in Alamo, California for face-to-face sessions or avail of her services through Phone or Email.

Linda will gladly render her services as a registered dietitian and certified nutritionist in Contra Costa County, including the cities and towns of:

West County

  • El Cerrito
  • Hercules
  • Pinole
  • Richmond
  • San Pablo
  • Crockett
  • El Sobrante
  • Port Costa
  • Rodeo
  • Rollingwood
  • Tara Hills
  • North Richmond
  • Bayview-Montalvin
  • East Richmond Heights

Central County

East County

  • Antioch
  • Brentwood
  • Oakley
  • Pittsburg
  • Bay Point
  • Byron
  • Knightsen
  • Discovery Bay
  • Bethel Island

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