Healthy Habits: Your Weight Matters Challenge

It is important we stay active and healthy, not only for ourselves but for our family. On behalf of the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC), I'm inviting you to take part in the Your Weight Matters^SM challenge and get your health back on track this spring and summer.  The OAC is a leading 50,000 member-strong National non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by the disease of obesity through education, advocacy and support.

The Your Weight Matters^SM Campaign encourages a dialogue between individuals and their healthcare provider about their health and weight, as well as educates individuals about the significant impact of excess weight on one’s health, such as an increased risk for type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, some cancers and more.

Individuals can easily take the Campaign Challenge by visiting www.YourWeightMatters.org and clicking the “Take the Challenge” button. Once individuals take the Campaign Challenge, they will receive the free Your Weight Matters^SM Toolkit.  The toolkit is designed specifically to help individuals prepare for that first weight-focused appointment with their healthcare provider. From information on nutrition and exercise to sample questions, the Campaign Toolkit is an excellent and free resource for individuals to utilize throughout their weight-loss journey. 

I had a chance to interview James Zervios, OAC Director of Communications, to learn more.

1. Why do mothers tend to put their own health lower on the priority list?

Mothers tend to put their health lower on the priority list because there is an inherent desire to care for your children first. Children need their parents to care for them; therefore, mothers often find themselves sacrificing their own health.

2. Why is it so important for mothers to make their own health a priority?

It is important for mothers to make their health a priority for a few reasons. First, their children are relying on them for their own health and wellbeing. If a parent is not in good health, this could impact their ability to care for their loved ones. Secondly, improved quality of health can very much be a generational thing by having parents teach their children proper nutrition and exercise. And lastly, they must do it for themselves and their own health.

3. How can mothers focus on nutrition and activity in the midst of all their other responsibilities?

In today’s fast-paced world, it can seem almost impossible for mothers to juggle everything and instill proper nutrition and activity in their family; however, it can be done. Encourage your children to get involved in the homemaking decisions, such as what to have for dinner, what to snack on, etc. Have your children plan your meals with you and then take them shopping with you to help pick out groceries. By involving your children in this process, you’re not only teaching them what’s healthy, but you’re also teaching them healthy food preparation techniques and spending time together as a family.

Physical activity can come in many forms these days. While we all remember a summer filled with swimming pools and bike rides, times have changed a bit; however, that doesn’t mean the old time-tested ways of physical activity are gone forever. But we must also embrace the future. Today’s world of technology offers many different game console systems that incorporate physical activity, such as the Nintendo Wii. Why not play a bowling game on a gaming console and then actually take your child bowling for real. You can then compare how the skills taught with each method contributed to one another. Again, you’re having fun with some time-tested activities, and you’re also including today’s technology. And while technology is fun, don’t forget that being outdoors is seldom replaceable. As weather warms up throughout the country and summer comes in, spend some time outdoors with your family. Playing outside or even making your own scavenger hunt in the yard can be a lot of fun!

4. What does the Obesity Action Coalition do?

The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) is a nearly 50,000 member-strong 501(c)(3) National non-profit organization dedicated to giving a voice to the individual affected by the disease of obesity and helping individuals along their journey toward better health through education, advocacy and support. Our core focuses are to raise awareness and improve access to the prevention and treatment of obesity, provide evidence-based education on obesity and its treatments, fight to eliminate weight bias and discrimination, elevate the conversation of weight and its impact on health and offer a community of support for the individual affected.

5. How will the Your Weight Matters initiative help?

The Your Weight Matters Campaign is an excellent resource for mothers wanting to learn more about how their weight impacts their health. The conversation of weight with a healthcare provider is often avoided; however, it is an important first step toward improving one’s health. The Campaign encourages visitors to take the Campaign challenge and prepare themselves for the conversation of weight. By taking the challenge, individuals will receive a free Campaign toolkit, which provides more information on weight, nutrition, exercise, treatment options, a food journal and much more. In addition, folks have the opportunity to opt-in for the Your Weight Matters Weekly email. Each week, Campaign participants receive an email featuring different weight and health related topics. Talking about your weight is never easy; however, the Campaign can help prepare you for that conversation and provide you resources for your journey.

James Zervios is the Director of Communications for the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC). He has more than 10 years of experience working in patient advocacy and is a graduate of the University of South Florida.