One in three 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.
The good news is that childhood obesity can be prevented. In honor of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, Central Vermont Medical Center encourages your family to make healthy changes together.
Taking these small steps as a family can help your child stay at a healthy weight:
- Get active outside: Make sure your child gets at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day Walk around the neighborhood, go on a bike ride, or play basketball at the park.
Get more tips on how to stay active at http://1.usa.gov/3wnZMl.
- Limit screen time: Keep screen time (time spent on the computer, watching TV, or playing video games) to 2 hours or less a day. As a parent, set a good example for your kids by limiting your own screen time (and see the benefits for yourself!).
For more tips on how to reduce your child’s screen time, go to:. http://1.usa.gov/69My6u
- Make healthy meals: Buy and serve more vegetables, fruits, and whole-grain foods. Kids will eat more if you get them involved in planning and cooking healthy meals.
Find more tips at http://1.usa.gov/hnuGz4.
Reference: www.healthfinder.gov