Obesity rates are rising ever higher, particularly among children. You don't have to make drastic changes all at once. But if you don't do anything today, there is a good chance that your overweight kids will continue to become overweight adults. Vincent Iannelli, M.D., (Pediatrics) offers these five quick and easy weight loss steps that can help you & your child live healthier.

You can add the National Hockey League (NHL) to the list of professional sports organizations now faced with growing evidence that the head injuries that are accepted as part of their sport are indeed causing serious, long-term cognitive and emotional problems in players. We've know the health risks of repeated head trauma to boxers for quite some time. Recently, the National Football League has been grappling with questions of responsibility and accountability for head trauma on the football field.

This week, The New York Times reported that former NHL player Reggie Fleming had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (C.T.E.), a type of brain damage caused by repeated head trauma. Fleming, who died in July, was the first hockey player known to have been tested for the disease.

Dr. Ann McKee, a neuropathologist at Boston University who has also diagnosed C.T.E. in several former N.F.L. players, summed up the issues by saying what we all probably could guess, "Repetitive head injuries can have very serious long-term consequences, regardless of how you get them." If you play any sports with a risk of head trauma, be sure to take the necessary precautions to avoid becoming another head injury statistic. All experts agree that wearing safely equipment, such as a helmet and mouth guard, can reduce the risk of serious head injuries.

More about Head Injuries

• Head Injury First Aid
• What is a Concussion?
• Serious Effects of Mild Concussions
• Girls Suffering More Concussions in High School Sports
• Link Between Concussions and Depression
• Concussion Symptoms and Treatment
• Recurrent concussions may increase the risk of clinical depression
• New Guidelines for Head Injury and Concussion in Youth Sports

Getting the right gift for anyone can be a challenge, but athletes can be especially difficult to shop for. Help us out this holiday by sharing your ideas. Tell us about the best fitness gift you ever received (or gave) and why it's the perfect gift for all types of athletes.

Here's what your fellow reader's had to say:

Pampering

Give anything that would be called pampering. Most athletes train too much & too hard and never 'treat' themselves to anything soft. Give them a treat (good meal out, spa day, massage, a good book, or a movie). Something to get them to stop and slow down or heal a tired, over worked body!

--Deb

Gear

Athlete's love gear. Just look at what they do regularly and replace a piece of gear that they have that is old, worn or overused. Or get one in a different color.

--Guest rarah

A Massage

What athlete can't use a sports massage? It's the best gift ever!

--Guest Timbuk3

Health Club Membership

I received one recently and though it was a great gift. Now I'm more likely to keep up me exercise routine through the cold and snow of winter -- I usually stop exercising in winter, but not this year. Thanks Franny!
--Guest joesoma

Share Your Gift Ideas for Athletes

If you say you can't find time to exercise, you aren't alone. Even Olympic athletes struggle with finding enough time to train for sports, often waking up early for pre-dawn training sessions. Balancing workouts with work, family and social commitments can be challenging and can result inconsistent or skipped workouts. If you are trying to find ways to juggle a demanding training schedule with a hectic life, you aren't alone. Check out some Tips for Busy Athletes to get some ideas to create more time and do more with the time you have.

Also See:
How to Train Like a Trainer.
How Much Exercise Does it Take?

According to sports nutritionist, Nancy Clark, the biggest nutritional mistake made by winter athletes is failing to drink enough fluids. Because cold weather blunts the thirst mechanism, winter athletes need to consciously consume fluids to replace the water that gets lost via breathing. When you breath in cold dry air, your body warms and humidifies that air. As you exhale, you lose significant amounts of water.

Athletes who participate in cold weather activities have a variety of special needs when it comes to performing at an optimal level while staying comfortable and safe as temperatures drop. Getting adequate fluids is just one of them.

Learn More about Sports Nutrition

• Nutrition for Winter Athletes.
• Sports Nutrition Basics - From Training to Competition

Yes, it's the latest fad making its way around the fitness industry, but it also gets results. Given the latest statistics* showing nearly 30 percent of children aged 6 to 18 are overweight and 15 percent are considered obese, it's not surprising parents are seeking new ways to combat the growing trend. Hiring one-on-one help is one way.

Personal trainers are also helping kids get ready for sports or perfect their sports skills. Finding a trainer who specializes in children's sports isn't easy, but it is becoming more common. The IDEA Health & Fitness Association recommends these basic guidelines for choosing a personal trainer for your child.

More

• Personal Trainers for Kids
• Do You Need a Personal Trainer?
• Tips for More Effective Training
• How to Get Your Child Involved in Exercise

_Source

*National Center for Health Statistics. Chartbook on Trends in the Health of Americans. Health, United States, 2006. Hyattsville, MD: Public Health Service. 2006.

Rowing is a great cardiovascular and strength-building exercise. The smooth, low-impact rowing motion works the whole body, is easy to learn and can challenge any fitness level. With the proper technique, rowing will work all the major muscle groups of the core, arms and legs in a balanced manner.

_{Photo Scott Barbour / Getty_Images}

If you train day after day without significant rest or a change of training programs, you may be at risk for physical or mental burnout, injury or illness. The following questions can help you evaluate your risk.

• Have I just completed an intense endurance event or competition (such as a marathon, or ultraendurance race)?
• Have I lost interest in training or playing sports?
• Does my regular workout feel too difficult?
• Do I dread the thought of training or racing?
• Am I becoming more irritated or annoyed about small things?
• Have I lost my appetite or am I eating too much?
• Do I feel mentally stressed, fatigued or withdrawn?
• Do I have generalized aches, pains or body soreness?
• Am I having trouble sleeping?
• Do I have an angry, negative attitude?
• Am I having more colds and flus than usual?
• Is my morning resting heart rate higher than normal?

If you answer yes to four or more of the questions you could be pushing yourself too hard. The following strategies will help you scale back your training, recover and refresh your routine to avoid burnout.

• Take Time Off (Without Losing Fitness)
• Crosstrain
• Use the S.M.A.R.T. Principle to Set Realistic Goals
• Vary Your Training Intensity With Intervals
• Take an active (sports) vacation
• Follow the Ten Percent Rule
• Learn more about Avoiding Overtraining

If you want to develop a stronger, flatter midsection, you aren't alone. It is one of the most exercised body parts. But to develop great abs you need more than exercise.