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You see it on the playground, at the beach, and in the classroom. Childhood obesity is an ever increasing issue for today’s families. The National Institutes of Health has determined that, over the last 30 years, the number of young people with weight problems has increased two fold. The causes of childhood obesity can be complex. According to the Mayo Clinic, many factors — usually working in combination — increase your child’s risk of becoming overweight: Diet. Regular consumption of high-calorie foods, such as fast foods, baked goods and vending machine snacks, contribute to weight gain. High-fat foods are dense in calories. Loading up on soft drinks, candy and desserts also can cause weight gain. Foods and beverages like these are high in sugar and calories. Inactivity. Sedentary kids are more likely to gain weight because they don't burn calories through physical activity. Inactive leisure activities, such as watching television or playing video games, contribute to the problem. Genetics. If your child comes from a family of overweight people, he or she may be genetically predisposed to put on excess weight, especially in an environment where high-calorie food is always available and physical activity isn't encouraged. Psychological factors. Some children overeat to cope with problems or to deal with emotions, such as stress or boredom. Their parents may have similar tendencies. Family factors. Most children don't shop for the family's groceries. Indeed, parents are responsible for putting healthy foods in the kitchen at home and leaving unhealthy foods in the store. You can't blame your kids for being attracted to sweet, salty and fatty foods; after all they taste good. But you can control much of their access to these foods, especially at home. Socioeconomic factors. Children from low-income backgrounds are at greater risk of becoming obese. Poverty and obesity often go hand in hand because low-income parents may lack the time and resources to make healthy eating and exercise a family priority. Whether your child is at risk of becoming overweight or currently at a healthy weight, you can take proactive measures to get or keep things on the right track. Schedule yearly well-child visits. Take your child to the doctor for well-child checkups at least once a year. Set a good example. Make sure you eat healthy foods and exercise regularly to maintain your weight. Then, invite your child to join you. Avoid food-related power struggles with your child. You might unintentionally lay the groundwork for such battles by providing or withholding certain foods — sweets, for instance — as rewards or punishments. As a general rule, foods aren't recommended for behavior modification in children. Emphasize the positive. Encourage a healthy lifestyle by highlighting the positive — the fun of playing outside or the variety of fresh fruit you can get year-round, for example. Emphasize the benefits of exercise apart from helping to manage their weight, for example, it makes their heart, lungs and other muscles stronger. Be patient. Many overweight children grow into their extra pounds as they get taller. References: Mayo Clinic.com Tools for healthier life. Today’s “Take Time Out” column was submitted by Linda Sheppard who serves on the board of directors of the Child Abuse Council serving Emmet and Charlevoix counties. Sheppard is also a registered nurse at Northern Michigan Regional Hospital. The “Take Time Out” column appears on the fifth Friday or fifth Monday of each month. The next column will be published on Monday, Sept. 29. Send questions, comments or article suggestions to: Child Abuse Council, P.O. Box 414, Petoskey, Mich. 49770; or call Elaine Roach, executive director, at 347-4658 or e-mail char-emCANcouncil@msn.com. The Child Abuse Council is a Children’s Trust Fund designated council.