Last week, the Houston Wellness Association is holding their 2008 Wellness Symposium at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas. This two-day health care event was designed to bring together wellness experts from across the country, to talk about how to tackle healthcare and the problem of obesity in American children. At the event, William J. Clish M.D., a professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine, said, "Of all the mothers I see, the majority argue with me about their kids' right to be obese ... to be 'what they are.' I argue they have the right to be their very best."

Well put.

His presentation included several tips on how to help keep your kids in shape:

1. Turn off the television, and encourage your kids to go outside and play more.

2. Talk to your kids about food choices, and being active and healthy.

3. Make being healthy and eating healthy snacks a game or a challenge, to encourage them to eat well.

4. Cut out the sodas, and encourage more fruits and vegetables in your kids' lives.

5. Make sure they have a good night's sleep (at least 8 hours) and start each day with a healthy breakfast.

Looking at this list, I'd say we're doing a pretty good job in our home -- of course, we could probably turn off the television a bit more! And frankly, I could lose a few pounds and be more of a role model to my daughter.

How about you -- do you talk to your kids about healthy living?

For more information about the Houston Wellness Symposium, visit the Houston Wellness Association.