Health & Medicine
Woman Offers Free Halloween Dietary Advice via 'Trick-or-Treat Letter'
Kathleen Lees
First Posted: Oct 30, 2013 03:19 PM EDT
For Halloween, a Fargo, North Dakota woman who has decided to remain anonymous, is starting her own tradition by inflicting her opinions on other people's kids.
For instance, any overweight or obese child that knocks on her door can't expect to receive a piece of candy-a normal Halloween tradition known as trick-or-treating. They'll receive a letter talking about how their parents messed up raising fat kids.
"I just want to send a message to the parents of kids that are really overweight...I think it's just really irresponsible of parents to send them out looking for free candy just 'cause all the other kids are doing it,'" she stated in a morning interview with the radio station, Y-24.
Over the years, as childhood obesity has developed into an epidemic--which may lead to many problems including high cholesterol and diabetes--treating such issues has also taken a toll on the health care system financially. However, some health officials are concerned that this letter could also trigger unnecessary emotional problems in children.
"It's just the kind of thing that for some kids, if they're vulnerable, might trigger major problems," Katie Gordon explained, via the Valley News Live, an assistant professor of Clinical psychology at North Dakota State University. "Even if a child is overweight, they might be very healthy because of what they eat and how they exercise. It's ineffective anyway because it's not likely to help the kid."
Statistics show that childhood obesity can be caused by a series of health complications, including genetic mutations. It may or may not just be from eating too much chocolate.
Of course, eating candy on Halloween could cause little ones to pack on the pounds, and with any holiday, it's best to start new dietary and exercise habits the day of (right?) Or at least, according to this North Dakotian.
Here's what the letter states:
"Happy Halloween and Happy Holidays Neighbor!
You are probably wondering why your child has this note; have you ever heard the saying, 'It takes a village to raise a child'? I am disappointed in 'the village' of Fargo Moorhead, West Fargo.
You child is, in my opinion, moderately obese and should not be consuming sugar and treats to the extent of some children this Halloween season.
My hope is that you will step up as a parent and ration candy this Halloween and not allow your child to continue these unhealthy eating habits.
Thank you."
Can't wait to see what mom and dad will have to say when their kid brings that letter home.
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First Posted: Oct 30, 2013 03:19 PM EDT
For Halloween, a Fargo, North Dakota woman who has decided to remain anonymous, is starting her own tradition by inflicting her opinions on other people's kids.
For instance, any overweight or obese child that knocks on her door can't expect to receive a piece of candy-a normal Halloween tradition known as trick-or-treating. They'll receive a letter talking about how their parents messed up raising fat kids.
"I just want to send a message to the parents of kids that are really overweight...I think it's just really irresponsible of parents to send them out looking for free candy just 'cause all the other kids are doing it,'" she stated in a morning interview with the radio station, Y-24.
Over the years, as childhood obesity has developed into an epidemic--which may lead to many problems including high cholesterol and diabetes--treating such issues has also taken a toll on the health care system financially. However, some health officials are concerned that this letter could also trigger unnecessary emotional problems in children.
"It's just the kind of thing that for some kids, if they're vulnerable, might trigger major problems," Katie Gordon explained, via the Valley News Live, an assistant professor of Clinical psychology at North Dakota State University. "Even if a child is overweight, they might be very healthy because of what they eat and how they exercise. It's ineffective anyway because it's not likely to help the kid."
Statistics show that childhood obesity can be caused by a series of health complications, including genetic mutations. It may or may not just be from eating too much chocolate.
Of course, eating candy on Halloween could cause little ones to pack on the pounds, and with any holiday, it's best to start new dietary and exercise habits the day of (right?) Or at least, according to this North Dakotian.
Here's what the letter states:
"Happy Halloween and Happy Holidays Neighbor!
You are probably wondering why your child has this note; have you ever heard the saying, 'It takes a village to raise a child'? I am disappointed in 'the village' of Fargo Moorhead, West Fargo.
You child is, in my opinion, moderately obese and should not be consuming sugar and treats to the extent of some children this Halloween season.
My hope is that you will step up as a parent and ration candy this Halloween and not allow your child to continue these unhealthy eating habits.
Thank you."
Can't wait to see what mom and dad will have to say when their kid brings that letter home.
See Now: NASA's Juno Spacecraft's Rendezvous With Jupiter's Mammoth Cyclone