Community Health Charities Florida August Newsletter 2012

Why do I need to worry about my child’s weight?
Americans are getting heavier. Today, most adults are overweight or obese. Children are becoming heavier, too. Overweight and obesity in children can lead to serious problems, such as:

·         Heart disease

·         Type 2 diabetes

·         Asthma

·         Sleep problems

·         Low self-esteem

·         Getting bullied

Being overweight as a child increases the risk of being overweight or obese as an adolescent and young adult. In other words, many kids don’t “grow out of” being overweight.

Put at least one hour of physical activity into your child’s day

It doesn’t have to be 60 minutes all at once; it can be shorter activities that add up to one hour. Fun activities that children do on their own are best. For example, playing tag is a great way to get moving. Be sure your child is doing different types of activity, including:

·         Aerobic activities, like running, skipping or dancing

·         Muscle-strengthening activities, like climbing playground equipment or trees

·         Bone-strengthening activities, like jumping rope or playing basketball

Limit screen time
Keep inactive (sitting down) screen time to two hours or less each day for kids age two and older.  Exercise TV shows or video games where your child moves around are a better choice than inactive screen time, but most of them do not count as physical activity time.

·         Set clear rules about when and for how long your child can watch TV, use the computer and play video games.

·         Keep the TV out of your child’s room.

Parents are often the most important role models for children

When you eat right and are physically active, your child will be more likely to make these choices as well. Plus, getting active and eating healthy as a family will help you spend more quality time together.

·         Make healthy snacks (http://www.healthfinder.gov/prevention/ViewTool.aspx?toolId=1). Snacks give kids important nutrients and help control hunger between meals.

·         Sit at the table and eat together as a family. When families eat together, children eat more vegetables and fruits and less junk food. Plan healthy, affordable meals and enjoy them as a family.

·         Let children help pick out healthy foods, prepare meals and set the table.

·         Make healthy choices about food when eating out.

Source: www.healthfinder.gov/prevention/ViewTopic.aspx?topicID=62&cnt=1&areaID=0

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