Avoid the Dinosaur Syndrome For Your Brain

Suzanne Holman

Think of the anatomy of the dinosaur. They were huge creatures and had very small brains.

Ironic that what research is showing us is that as our bodies get more and more overweight, our brains get smaller.

Dr. Daniel Amen came up with the "Dinosaur Syndrome" name to paint a clear picture of the danger of being overweight.

With obesity comes more frequent diabetes, sleep apnea, and often high blood pressure. All of these health problems are associated with a higher incidence of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

Dr. Amen has written a number of books, the most recent one The Amen Solution: The Brain Healthy Way to Lose Weight and Keep It Off. And he recently opened an online site that offers ongoing support to those who choose to take the steps to get their weight down to a healthy level.

Recently, I heard Dr. Amen talk about a church he has helped to create a program for weight loss. Saddleback Church is one of the largest churches in the United States. Richard Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life, is the pastor there. They have a comprehensive website to support their congregation in getting fit. Here is a link to Dr. Amen talking about the Dinosaur Syndrome: http://www.saddleback.com/blogs/thedanielplan/avoid-the-dinosaur-syndrome/

When adults take the lead to eat consciously, children see this as an example of what is the appropriate way to eat and will follow suit. The current statistics on obesity in our youth is disturbing. Below are some statistics from the William J. Clinton Foundation, an organization that "focuses on worldwide issues that demand urgent action, solutions, and measurable results," that will open your eyes to this huge problem.

Did you know that almost 25 percent of our children do not participate in any free-time physical activity. Even worse, less than 25 percent of high school students take daily physical education classes. Healthcare costs are very high. Currently, Health Insurance companies are paying out monies for the treatmentnt of obese children that are almost three times higher than for treatment of normal children. Nearly 25 million children are overweight or obese. Today, there are five times more obese children between the ages of 6 and 11 than there was forty years ago.

Think of the heath problems that will develop for these young people if they do not change their lifestyle. Health care costs are high now but, what will they be in another 15 -20 years when these young people are going into their middle ages and older years.

It's a wonderful thing that attention is being brought to this issue at the high level of Michelle Obama. There are efforts being made all over the country.

Kids love dinosaurs but, will they love having the Dinosaur Syndrome which results in shorter, unhealthy lives? Author Resource:- For an excellent free report giving you more ways to support your memory and brain, you can go to BrainHealthforBoomers.com Suzanne Holman is an author, speaker, and consultant who supports those of you who are interested in improving your brain for now and in the future.