A new 'super study' on childhood obesity concludes it's a worldwide--not just a U.S. problem, and that the percentage of overweight and obese kids has risen dramatically in the past 20 to 30 years, with one in three children overweight in this country now.

Dr. Richard O'Neill, psychologist at SUNY Upstate says the Cochrane Heart Group study combines the results of 55 obesity prevention programs, and finds that efforts at both school and home can cut the Body Mass Index:
>School curriculum that includes healthy eating, physical activity and positive body image
>More physical activity sessions in school through the week
>Better nutritional quality of school foods
>Parent and home activities that also encourage children to be more active and eat healthier.

Two quick and doable holiday examples:  Dr. O'Neill suggests Christmas presents that will encourage exercise (bikes, skates, boards, skis, sleds, etc)  and for the household, plates in a smaller size, to hold smaller portions.