Help kids grow up healthy

When many of today's parents were young, there were no organized efforts to increase physical activity or maintain a healthy weight in children.

Back then, perhaps it wasn't necessary. Playing outside after school or on the weekends was typical childhood behavior, and fast food was far less prevalent. That's not the case today.

Today, many children choose computer time or video games in place of playing outdoors, and busy schedules often lead to fast food for dinner. These lifestyle changes have contributed to growing childhood obesity rates nationwide and here in Michigan, where approximately 30 percent of children are considered either overweight or obese (according to the 2007 National Survey of Children's Health).

Childhood obesity can contribute to serious health problems, including high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), about one in three children and teens in the U.S. is overweight or obese, with overweight kids having a 70-80 percent chance of remaining overweight throughout their lives.

The AHA also reports a study that children ages 7 to 13 who are overweight are at an increased risk of developing heart disease beginning at age 25. Clearly, childhood obesity has the potential to significantly impact children's lives. Health organizations and parent groups are mobilizing to take action to combat this growing epidemic. The issue is sure to gain momentum now that First Lady Michelle Obama has made it her signature cause, announcing the national Let's Move initiative earlier this year.

What Can Parents Do? 

The ability to make healthy decisions is one of the best gifts a parent can ever give a child. Habits formed while kids are young can last a lifetime, helping children to avoid obesity and grow into healthy adults. These small changes can make a big difference:

Encourage children to be active. Limit the time they spend on video games, TV and computers, allowing kids to get at least 60 minutes of active play each day. Encourage children to develop healthy eating habits. Help children increase their daily intake of fruits, vegetables and whole-grain foods, while decreasing foods that are high in sugar, fat or sodium.

Encourage children to eat appropriate portion sizes. Read labels with children to educate them on portion size, and teach them to eat until they're full rather than "cleaning their plates."

For more information on helping children make healthy decisions click here.

Lift quote 

" Because of the increasing rates of obesity, unhealthy eating habits and physical inactivity, we may see the first generation that will be less healthy and have a shorter life expectancy than their parents."

- Former Surgeon General Richard Carmon