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| BOOK REVIEW |
In this first-of-its-kind book, the important health themes "served up" in an easy-to-read style are intended to help overweight kids get on a healthy track, as well as motivate those within a healthy weight range to not only continue making wise lifestyle choices, but also better understand and empathize with peers currently struggling with a weight problem. This ground-breaking fictional children's book depicts the life of an average overweight American kid as (s)he encounters the emotional and physical challenges associated with an adolescent overweight condition. This books uniqueness, however, lies with its mission to not only help children recognize the overwhelming amount of cultural influences that adversely impact their ability to make good lifestyle choices, but also lessen the emotional burden of self-blame carried by those who have internalized sole responsibility for having become overweight or obese. Releasing this burden enables these kids to re-focus their emotional and physical energy on making positive, healthful changes in their life. In the end, this is a book of hope that spotlights a representative overweight child who, by better understanding society's many pressures and influences as well as the importance of living healthfully, achieved his/her goal of living a happier, more fulfilling life. With the litany of staggering statistics related to childhood obesity well in mind, two-time bodybuilding champion and lifelong health and fitness advocate Merilee A. Kern, MBA, today announced the release of her fictional children's book It's Not Your Fault That You're Overweight - A Story of Enlightenment, Empowerment and Accomplishment for Overweight and Obese Kids (www.notfault.com). This first-of-its-kind fictional story has been heralded by an array of health industry experts for both its viability in helping overweight kids get on a healthy track, as well as motivating those within a healthy weight range to not only continue making wise lifestyle choices, but also better understand and empathize with peers currently struggling with a weight problem. "The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that over 20 percent of American children are either overweight or obese and, unfortunately, these numbers continue to rise," said Susan Burke, MS, RD, LD/N, CDE, chief dietitian for eDiets.com®. "This book is a wonderful tool to help those kids struggling with a weight problem recognize the overwhelming number of influences outside their span of control, which have negatively impacted their decision making. As importantly, this book can help lessen the emotional weight carried by children who have internalized sole responsibility for their condition, and are harboring displaced blame or guilt that is actually perpetuating the problem." Written for children ages 8 through 13, the paperback, as well as the Coloring and Activity E-Book adaptation for children 7 and under, uniquely depicts an average overweight American child as (s)he encounters - and ultimately overcomes - the emotional and physical challenges associated with an adolescent overweight condition. This first-of-its-kind children's story, which is available in both male and female-specific editions, uses a non-combative, relatable style to engage, entertain and appeal to young readers' emotions without invoking feelings of defensiveness or other distress that kids' often experience when discussing this highly sensitive topic. In the end, "It's Not Your Fault That You're Overweight" is a tale of hope that spotlights a representative overweight American child who, by better understanding society's many pressures and influences as well as the importance of living healthfully, achieves his/her goal of living a healthier, happier life. "This story is intended to lessen the emotional burden carried by far too many children who solely blame them self for being overweight or obese. Releasing this burden allows these kids to re-focus their emotional and physical energy on making positive, healthful changes in their life," said Kern. "Optimally, one or both parents will read this story aloud with their child, and key in on those specific scenes that resonate the most. For those parents who have yet to establish dialogue on the subject of their child's weight problem, or for those parents who are at their wit's end having seemingly 'tried it all', this book offers a unique opportunity for children to know that someone 'does' understand their struggle and that there are relatively easy changes that can be made that will result in a better lifestyle." Through both easy-to-read text and endearing illustrations by esteemed artist Jerry DeCrotie, "It's Not Your Fault That You're Overweight" portrays the overwhelming amount of commercial, organizational and social stimulus that, on both a conscious and subconscious level, adversely affects the lifestyle choices - and subsequent health - of our nation's youth. It also empowers its young readers to recognize and combat the constant stream of negative cultural influences, motivates them to make decisive changes in their lifestyle, illustrates practical behaviors that will help improve their health, and encourages children by depicting how their life can benefit if their weight is under control. Parents concur. Randy DeLue of San Diego, California offers his perspective: "Although my children are not overweight, reading this important and timely book with them opened the door for me to engage them in thoughtful discussion about personal lifestyle choices that definitely had room for improvement. My 6 and 8-year old kids now realize that they have quite a bit of control over their own health, and that good choices lead to good results in many areas of their life. They also now put much more thought into selecting their snack options and, although they do occasionally want the sugary stuff, it's with less frequency, and they've actually started asking health related questions about the food they are being served at home. This publication has proven to be a sorely needed catalyst for my family to discuss this all-important topic in a gentle and effective manner, and I consider it a 'must read' for families whether or not a weight problem exists." Click here to order the Boys' Edition Click here to order the Girls' Edition Click here to order the Coloring and Activity E-Book |
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About the Author: Merilee Kern is a life-long fitness enthusiast and a former bodybuilding champion twice over, having previously won the titles of "Miss South Florida" and "Miss Palm Coast." Having participated in sports throughout her youth, Merilee has spent all of her adult years devoted to good nutrition, fitness and healthy living - a lifestyle that she, together with her husband whom she met at the gym, now imparts on their two young children. Merilee owns and operates Kern Communications (www.kerncommunications.com) - a boutique public relations and marketing agency - and has provided marketing and public relations services for eDiets.com® since 1999. She earned both her Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science degree from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She can be reached via email at info@notfault.com or via telephone at 858-577-0206. |
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Create My Own Soup 
