September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
Did you know? One in 3 children in the United States is overweight or obese. Childhood obesity puts kids at risk for health problems that were once seen only in adults, like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Overweight kids also may be prone to low self-esteem that stems from being teased, bullied, or rejected by peers.
The good news? Childhood obesity can be prevented. In honor of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, Muscogee Moms encourages your family to make healthy changes together.
Get active outside:
Walk around the neighborhood, go on a bike ride, or play basketball at the park. Take your kids to the playground after school. Kids over 2-years old should get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity on most, preferably all, days of the week.
Limit screen time:
Keep screen time (time spent on the computer, watching TV, or playing video games) to 2 hours or less a day. If necessary, plug your TV into a digital timer to limit access during the afternoons. Discourage eating while watching the tube.
Make healthy meals:
Buy and serve more vegetables, fruits, and whole-grain foods. Cut back on soft drinks and juice boxes with high sugar content. Watch portion sizes. Let your kids be more involved in making good food choices, such as packing lunch.
Make it a family affair:
If you eat well, exercise regularly, and incorporate healthy habits into your family’s daily life, you’re modeling a healthy lifestyle for your kids that will last. Talk to your kids about the importance of eating well and being active, but make it a family affair that will become second nature for everyone. Most of all, let your kids know you love them — no matter what their weight — and that you want to help them be happy and healthy.
When to see your pediatrician:
If you’re worried that your child or teen may be overweight, make an appointment with your doctor, who can assess eating and activity habits and make suggestions on how to make positive changes. The doctor also may decide to screen for some of the medical conditions that can be associated with obesity.
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