Children's Health · Freedom of Expression · Parenting

The Role of Adults in Children’s Health: Instinct or Controversy?

Unhealthy children, and the longstanding, natural ability of adults to observe the signs and symptoms is on the hot seat.

Why? When did observing children’s behavior and signs of illness become controversial?

Haven’t adults always played a quiet role in safeguarding children – through instinct, observation, and care?

I don’t know when it happened, but somewhere along the way, noticing things became controversial. Huh? Especially when it comes to children. Really?

On a personal note: my first thought is my own mother. I’m glad she noticed when something was wrong and kept me home from school.

Then there were the teachers. Yeah – I think they can spot a child who is unhealthy. Thankfully, most teachers care enough to inform the parent.

That all seems normal to me.

People have been observing kids forever and making decisions along the way. Consider that children depend on adults for guidance. Adults explain the reasons they need woolly hats and mitts in the winter. They explain why children should drink extra water on hot days. Adults also ensure they look both ways before crossing the street.

But things are different now. Apparently.

Lately, even the most basic observations about children’s health seem to spark controversy.

Recently, Robert Kennedy noted that children don’t look as healthy as they used to. Gasp. He observed obese kids at the airport. Gasp. He noticed they were fixated on their devices. Gasp.

What nerve!

How dare he!

But, don’t worry… the dedicated mainstream news pointed out his outrageous behavior. They very clearly pointed out that Mr. Kennedy is NOT a medical doctor.

Maybe, the rest of us – observant adults better take heed. We are, after all, just regular folk. No medical degrees either. Gasp! We might have some common sense – but, that doesn’t count. As. We. All. Know!!!

Hi… My name is Suzanne. I write middle-grade health fiction stories. I aim to encourage kids to make better, healthier choices for themselves through light and lively narratives.

The topics covered are serious – as they relate to chronic childhood diseases – however, the format is entertaining.

Through humour, outrageous predicaments, and… ah… a few health nerdy clashes, children learn about the issues. Most importantly, they learn how they can improve their own health habits.

To learn more about my books visit my author page on Amazon.

Children's Health · Health and Wellness · Lifestyle Changes · Nutritional Health

The Rise of Health Awareness: Exposing Ultra-Processed Foods and Corporate Greed

Awareness of the harms of ultra-processed foods is growing! YAY! People are learning that these products are toxic to human health and the reason for most metabolic problems plaguing literally millions today.

People are getting it!

Thanks to Robert Kennedy Jr, that awareness… hit the Trump stage recently, and a bunch of us got a tremendous boost to our persistently hopeful outlook for the health of men, women, and children throughout the world.

This ultra-processed food nightmare is not a new topic for many of us… but it is an eye-opener for literally thousands worldwide. It is a story that must be told and, if Kennedy has any say… he’ll tell it. Corporate greed exposed.

Wait… There’s more…

Kennedy endorsed Calley and Casey Means and shortly thereafter, Megyn Kelly interviewed Casey on her show. Their primary topic was on… are you ready for this… seed oils.

Yes, they exposed the damage of consuming these horrible oils on Kelly’s platform… a platform that boasts over 2 million followers. (Insert an excited fist bump here!)

But let’s not forget the trailerblazers…

As the awareness grows… and make no mistake it is growing… we should take a moment to acknowledge the many dedicated doctors, scientists, advocates, and lay people from across the globe who worked tirelessly to bring us the facts.

Without their efforts, many of us would still be consuming this sludge. Because of the many books, published papers, podcasts, video clips, shorts, and etc… we have avoided literally dozens of so called ‘food’ aisles for years.

Let’s acknowledge a few modern day heroes…

We learned that saturated fat isn’t the ‘bad guy’ from pioneers like Nina Teicholz. Her 2014 book, The Big Fat Surprise, continues to educate and is considered to be a ‘reference’ source for many.

Dr. Chris Knobbe’s 2023 book, The Ancestral Diet Revolution is another excellent publication detailing… well… everything you need to know about how we got into this mess in the first place.

You can’t hide the truth forever…

“Nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.”

Matthew 5:15 (AMP)

Note: The above biblical quote seems to be taken a little out of context, but if ‘light’ reflects ‘truth’… then the truth can’t be hidden for long. Eventually, it comes to light, and all who learn of this truth are given the opportunity to gain from it. (In this case… we gain better health!)

Back to our modern day heroes…

Books by Gary Taubes, Dr. Robert Lustig, Dr. Jason Fung, Dr. Ben Bikman are among the many who have exposed the effects of ‘added sugar’ upon metabolic health… specifically, insulin resistance.

They have helped us understand diabetes at the cellular level and we now recognize that the conventional ways of treating this pandemic have NOT been the most effective.

Diet, exercise, and intermittent fasting now play key roles in recovery and… most importantly… PREVENTION.

Then there are the podcasters… Dr. Mark Hyman, Mike Mutzel, Max Lugavere, Dhru Purohit, Dr. Peter Attia, Jesse Chappus, Dr. Suneel Dhand, and many, many others. Untold hours of discussion, explanations, data, signs and symptoms, and reasonable conversations have all contributed to the awakening the world is desperate for.

A special thanks to the aforementioned ‘pioneers’ for their years of dedicated service. Without their groundbreaking efforts, many of us would not find ourselves so incredibily hopeful for a major shift in health awareness with, whatever lies ahead, in the hands of Robert Kennedy Jr’s MAHA movement.

Here’s hoping our world’s population can also start their journey to health and wellness.

Whenever possible, please acknowledge the above amazing people by supporting their efforts through word of mouth to friends, family, and co-workers or online with positive comments, likes, and shares.

If you know other great trailblazers, on this quest for health and wellness, please drop a comment below to share their worthy contributions as well.

Suzanne Rightley is a children’s fiction author who presents a health minded hero in the persona of a dedicated 12 year-old girl.

Granola Brea plans on being a consumer advocate when she grows up… but she’s practicing what she preaches… now! No easy feat!

The Granola Brea Series is available on Amazon for parents and teachers who welcome a lively — often humorous — format to educate children and help today’s youth on their own health journeys.

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