NRS Healthcare has put together an excellent family pack that has lots of suggestions and even cut out coupons to get you motivated to have you and your family involved in Child Obesity week. Listed below are some of the areas that are covered with regard to what is becoming a dangerous epidemic.
Prevalence
Recent Health statistics indicate that 1 in 4 children and youth are overweight or obese.
Need for Activity
Kids and teens need 60 minutes per day of physical activity.
Consequences of Obesity
Obese children are being diagnosed with a range of health conditions that were previously seen almost exclusively in adults, including high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.
Obesity Rates in the UK
Obesity rates among children and youth in the UK have nearly tripled in the past 30 years.
Weight Problems
Weight problems in children are likely to persist into adulthood, leading to other health concerns such as heart disease, sleep apnea, other breathing problems, abnormal or missed menstrual cycles, bone and joint problems, reduced balance, low self-esteem, depression, feeling judged, and being teased or bullied.
Sugary Beverages
Childhood obesity is linked to the over-consumption of sugary beverages, such as fruit-flavoured juice, soft drinks, and sports/energy drinks.
Kids and Movement
Exercise matters and children were meant to move. According to Rae Pica, a movement education specialist, activity and movement helps kids develop not only their bodies, but also their brains, their ability to learn, and their social skills. “It impacts not only physical development, but cognitive, social, and emotional development – the whole child.”
Catch Kids Early in Life
Early childhood is the best time to establish excellent eating and exercise habits. This way, kids will seek out healthy behaviours and continue them as they grow and develop.
The Role of the Parent
Parents are the key factor to controlling obesity in children. A parent’s positive involvement in their child’s eating plan/diet will help prevent obesity and a life full of chronic and preventable diseases.
Boys Vs. Girls & Obesity
When it comes to obesity, more boys than girls fit the WHO definition, with 15.1% of boys being obese as compared with 8% of girls.
Try New Fruits & Veggies
Encourage your child to at least try 1 new fruit and vegetable daily. Don’t be disappointed if they reject some, but like others. Keep being persistent, and cooking/preparing vegetables and fruits in different ways.
Portion Sizes
Watch portion sizes, as children and youth will overeat those foods they like, and avoid or eat smaller portions of those foods they don’t like. Portion sizes are anywhere from 2 to 5 sizes larger and bigger than they used to be, and the bigger the serving, the more we will eat.
Healthy Snacks After School
Offer healthy snacks after school. Encourage fresh fruit, cheese and crackers, nuts and seeds, and whole grain bagels and peanut butter, for example.
Healthy Indoor Games
Play active indoor games with your children, such as hide and seek, or Simon Says.
Chores
Do chores, such as cleaning a child’s room, together.
