Success Stories

Another issue that I think can be a problem in overcoming childhood obesity can simply be that results can be hard to come by and are often times slow to see. Most kids don't understand the physical processes involved and let's face it, when have kids ever liked to wait for anything? So I thought it would be good to look up and find some success stories of people that have overcome this challenge themselves and how they did it. I hope that they can be a source of hope and inspiration for those who need it.

Here's an interesting perspective that involves a cultural outlook at the problem. Sonia Guzman not only overcame her own struggle with obesity but now she actively volunteers to educate others on how to succeed. Check it out here.

Here's an article about several families and what they went through during their struggles with childhood obesity. I feel it accentuates the fact that it is a family effort that will bring about real success.

Here's a story of a school in Chicago and how they have achieved success in fighting this epidemic. It highlights the fact that parental involvement was needed for the level of success they obtained.

Overall there are many stories out there showing that success is a very real possibility. Patience is necessary but the results are life changing. So remember, teaching a lifestyle is a long process and won't occur overnight. However, if you stay consistent the results are real and will be obtainable.

Enjoying the Mountains

One great thing about living here in Utah County has to be our proximity to the mountains. Not only do we get beautiful views but it also can be a great resource to teach our kids to be active. In the winter there is skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and sledding. Now that the weather is warming up, we get hiking trails! I've done my fair share of hiking since I've lived here, however I've always felt like I can do more. From waterfalls to mountain peaks, there are plenty of aspects that our children can fall in love with.

Here's a small list of local places that I've gone hiking that would be appropriate for kids. First off is the ever popular Y trail. It's a relatively easy hike although can be though during the heat of the summer. It's normal to see families there, this website has info about how to get there.


Another easy yet beautiful hike is the Provo Canyon trail. It's a paved trail and you might have to watch out for bikers, but it stays fairly shaded and offers beautiful views along the Provo River. At the end you're rewarded with an up close look at Bridal Veil Falls. Check out this website for more info.


In addition to these I've also done Timpanogos Cave and Mt Timpanogas itself. I would recommend both however the later is fairly difficult and would be appropriate only for older children. Other than that check out BYU's hiking page for a more comprehensive look at hiking trails in Utah County as well as their difficulties.

Overall we are lucky enough to have many opportunities here to enjoy nature and teach a healthy, active lifestyle. Most of these don't require any money, too. So once again, get out, enjoy life, and teach your children how amazing a healthy lifestyle can be.

Bring on the Sun!

Last time I wrote about activities that can be done in the winter. Now that we (hopefully) can look forward to more warmer days than cooler, I thought it would be good to look for activities that can be done here locally in the great outdoors. I don't know about all of you, but it seems to me that when the sun is shining and it's shorts weather all I want to do is get outside. I was able to find a sweet website that can help you find parks in Provo. You can even filter your search according to a variety of variables, be it basketball courts, tennis courts, soccer fields, picnic tables, etc. Check it out here.

Although it's still a bit cold, I also thought I'd put in some info for Utah Lake. To be honest, I had never been there until this past August. I realize now that it's a great place that's located really close where you can enjoy the outdoors. There are a variety of activities to do there, from boating, canoeing, fishing, or camping. Check out this website to learn more.

So as the days continue to get longer and warmer, have fun getting more active outside. Go for a walk, a bike ride, play in the yard, or visit a park. Whatever you choose to do, have fun and teach your kids how great an active lifestyle can be!

Fun in the Cold

One problem I think a lot of people, especially kids, face in the winter is how to be active despite the weather. When it's nice outside and the sun is shining I feel like it's pretty easy to get out and be active. Some adults get over this barrier by joining gyms, but what are our kids supposed to do? With this in mind, I looked around and tried to come up with some ideas.

First off, the most obvious activity associated with a Utah winter is hitting the slopes. I grew up in Colorado and always loved going to snowboarding. However, although it is a fun way to stay active, for many families it is not a financial reality. Sure, a couple times a year might be in the picture, but certainly not a weekly activity. So what else is there?

As for free options, you can always simply enjoy the outdoors. Get outside, build a snowman, make a snow angel, build a fort...the options are endless. I did find a good list of sledding hills in Utah County, check it out here. Some of the areas you do have to pay but there are a decent amount of free ones, too.

If you get sick of the cold there actually are quite a few indoor options here in Utah County. Several of these have family rates as well as decent monthly rates. The appeal varies according to the age of your children, but check them out.

Peaks Ice Arena
Utah Valley Rec Centers
Jumping Jacks
Kangaroo Zoo

So although the options might no be ideal when the weather turns cold, there are still plenty of things to do other then spending every day curled up next to the TV. And hey, at the very least kids can always help you shovel the walk!