Is Your Child At Risk?

September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Childhood obesity is on the rise. According to the CDC, 17 percent of children and adolescents, ages 2-17, are obese; triple the rate from just one generation ago. A child is considered obese when their weight is 10 percent higher than what is recommended body type and height.

Childhood obesity puts America’s children at early risk for Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and even stroke – conditions usually associated with adulthood. Statistics show that if a child is obese between the ages of 10 and 13 have an 80 percent chance of being obese in adulthood.

Here are a few things that can cause obesity, medical illness and medications not included:

·         Poor eating habits

·         Overeating or binging

·         Limited activity

·         Low Self Esteem

·         Depression

What can we do to help prevent this rising problem from becoming an epidemic?

·         Limit time on video games and computers

·         Change eating habits

·         Teach them how to make better food selections

·         Keep treats and junk food for special occasions

·         Teach portion sizes

·         Do not use food as a reward

·         Increase physical activity

Choose healthier snack options such as a sliced apple with natural peanut butter, homemade pizza snacks: whole wheat English muffin with marinara sauce and a sprinkle of cheese, sliced vegetables dipped in yogurt mixed with some dill, or Kashi waffles topped with yogurt and strawberries or natural peanut butter and bananas.

On weekends go to the park and bike, walk, do a boot camp on the playground equipment, pass a Frisbee, play kickball or other sport, or go swimming; anything to get the whole family involved in physical activity.

Here are some family oriented websites that may help you with ideas: Healthyfitfamilies, Everybodywalk, and Weelicious