In life, one of the most valuable and precious gifts a parent receives is the birth of their children.
One day they are little bundles of joy in a crib, and the next thing you know they are walking, talking, playing little league, and, yes, even driving a motor vehicle at the young age of 15 and a half. And through it all, caring parents are there to nurture and teach them in a manner that will help make them become successful, happy and a positive influence on the world.
My challenge is for parents to continue with this concept of caring, by raising the bar on the importance of proper nutrition and keeping our children more active as they grow up.
The percentage of overweight children in the United States is growing at an alarming rate. Kids are spending less time exercising and more time in front of the TV, computer or video-game console. Busy family schedules don’t help either as they provide fewer opportunities to prepare nutritious meals each and every day. And that’s OK; we don’t have to be perfect everyday, because we can still improve if we remain consciously proactive in making changes in our lifestyles that will keep children more active and healthy.
Parents, let me challenge you to believe that it all begins with you leading by example. Now that’s a wonderful reason to begin an exercise program don’t you think? Why not start your exercise program for the children?
It is has been my experience that if mom and dad believe their health is important, the kids are more likely think it as well.
Since the 1970s, the percentage of overweight kids and adolescents has more than doubled.
Today, 10 percent of 2- to 5-year-olds and more than 15 percent of children between the ages of 6 and 19 are overweight.
If you combine the percentage of kids who are overweight with the percent of kids who are at risk for becoming overweight, then it affects about one out of every three children.
Overweight children are at risk for serious health conditions like type two diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, which were all once considered only adult diseases. Other potential health risks are bone and joint problems, shortness of breath during physical activity, sleep problems and even depression. Preventing obesity in our children may reduce the risk of developing these conditions as they get older.
In my opinion, one of the most effective ways to keep kids of all ages at a healthy weight is by utilizing the whole family approach. Simply make nutrition and exercise a family affair and priority. Get your children involved by letting them help plan and prepare healthy meals or take them along when you go grocery shopping so they can learn how to make good food choices.
Please be patient with your children in this process if they are not receptive at first, and continue to look for positive ways to include them while incorporating good health habits into your family lifestyle.
A great way to start is by serving a variety of healthy foods and eating meals together as often as possible. Try to include at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day in their diet, plan healthy snacks, and by all means make sure they eat breakfast everyday. Encourage them to try a variety of activities while helping them find what they enjoy. And finally, give them 100 percent support in their efforts to stay active.
If you, as the parent, eat well, exercise regularly and incorporate healthy habits into your family’s daily routine, you are modeling a healthy lifestyle for your children that could last into adulthood.
Until next week, please go out and make it a great fitness day.
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In life, one of the most valuable and precious gifts a parent receives is the birth of their children.
One day they are little bundles of joy in a crib, and the next thing you know they are walking, talking, playing little league, and, yes, even driving a motor vehicle at the young age of 15 and a half. And through it all, caring parents are there to nurture and teach them in a manner that will help make them become successful, happy and a positive influence on the world.
My challenge is for parents to continue with this concept of caring, by raising the bar on the importance of proper nutrition and keeping our children more active as they grow up.
The percentage of overweight children in the United States is growing at an alarming rate. Kids are spending less time exercising and more time in front of the TV, computer or video-game console. Busy family schedules don’t help either as they provide fewer opportunities to prepare nutritious meals each and every day. And that’s OK; we don’t have to be perfect everyday, because we can still improve if we remain consciously proactive in making changes in our lifestyles that will keep children more active and healthy.
Parents, let me challenge you to believe that it all begins with you leading by example. Now that’s a wonderful reason to begin an exercise program don’t you think? Why not start your exercise program for the children?
It is has been my experience that if mom and dad believe their health is important, the kids are more likely think it as well.
Since the 1970s, the percentage of overweight kids and adolescents has more than doubled.
Today, 10 percent of 2- to 5-year-olds and more than 15 percent of children between the ages of 6 and 19 are overweight.
If you combine the percentage of kids who are overweight with the percent of kids who are at risk for becoming overweight, then it affects about one out of every three children.
Overweight children are at risk for serious health conditions like type two diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, which were all once considered only adult diseases. Other potential health risks are bone and joint problems, shortness of breath during physical activity, sleep problems and even depression. Preventing obesity in our children may reduce the risk of developing these conditions as they get older.
In my opinion, one of the most effective ways to keep kids of all ages at a healthy weight is by utilizing the whole family approach. Simply make nutrition and exercise a family affair and priority. Get your children involved by letting them help plan and prepare healthy meals or take them along when you go grocery shopping so they can learn how to make good food choices.
Please be patient with your children in this process if they are not receptive at first, and continue to look for positive ways to include them while incorporating good health habits into your family lifestyle.
A great way to start is by serving a variety of healthy foods and eating meals together as often as possible. Try to include at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day in their diet, plan healthy snacks, and by all means make sure they eat breakfast everyday. Encourage them to try a variety of activities while helping them find what they enjoy. And finally, give them 100 percent support in their efforts to stay active.
If you, as the parent, eat well, exercise regularly and incorporate healthy habits into your family’s daily routine, you are modeling a healthy lifestyle for your children that could last into adulthood.
Until next week, please go out and make it a great fitness day.
