Let’s Help Kids Live Well.
Sep 01, 2016
One in 3 children in the United States are overweight or obese.
The numbers right here in our own community are about the same. This puts our kids at risk for health problems usually only seen in adults, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month.
We can build a healthier future for our kids by working together as a community to create opportunities for them to eat healthier and be more active. How? Here are just a few examples:
- Families can make changes like going on a family walk after dinner, limiting screen time, preparing healthy meals together or keeping healthy snacks in the refrigerator like fresh fruit or cut-up veggies.
- Schools can ensure there are healthy food options and opportunities for daily physical activity through Physical Education classes, recess, and even classroom physical activity that incorporates learning.
- Health care providers can ensure they are talking with kids and parents at appointments about healthy eating and physical activity, as well as support other community programs to prevent childhood obesity.
Helpful resources:
- Tips for reducing screen time
- Tips for parents and caregivers from the American Heart Association
- Addressing your child's weight at the doctor
- Quick tips for healthy snacks
You can find more resources in our article, Get the School Year Off to a Healthy Start.
