The number of overweight children and teenagers in the United States has tripled in the last three decades. In Georgia, 43 percent of third-graders were either overweight or obese in 2005. Children who are overweight have a greater chance of developing health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, and Type 2 diabetes.
QUIZ YOURSELF ABOUT YOUR FAMILY'S HEALTH
Is it time for a change?
Do you and your family:
- Plan meals and snacks?
- Eat meals together at home?
- Allow food to be left on plates?
- Turn the TV off during meals?
- Eat only at the table?
- Drink water more than other beverages?
- Take part in physical activity every day?
If you answered no to three or more questions, it might be time to make healthy lifestyle changes.
Did you know?
- A child's stomach is about the size of his fist.
- Hunger and thirst may feel the same. Drink water before eating to make sure you are really hungry.
- Muscle weighs more than fat. When you exercise, you may seem to weigh more even when you're losing body fat.
- Your body is between 50 percnet to 60 percent water. Your brain is 80 percent water. Drink water to stay alert and healthy.
- Sweat helps cool the body during physical activity.
- Walking fast may equal the same amount of exercise as a light jog.
- Fruits and vegetables have special nutrients that help prevent disease.
Get Moving - How to Get Non-Athletes to be Physically Active
Team sports are a great way for kids to get their daily activity requirement, but competitive sports aren't for everyone. Here are some ways to encourage your "non-athlete" to get up and get moving.
- Some kids are embarrassed to participate in sports because they don't think they're good enough. If this is the problem, find time to practice together. This may help build confidence.
- Some kids just don't like competing in sports. That's OK; there are lots of other ways to be active. Examples are swimming, horseback riding, dancing, cycling, skateboarding, yoga, walking, etc. Find out your child's interests.
- Don't make exercise a punishment. Forcing your child to go out and play may increase resentment and resistance. Try using physical activity to counter something your child doesn't want to do. For instance, make it the routine that your child can ride a bike for 30 minutes before starting homework after school. Your child will beg for 20 more minutes outside just to put off the homework.
Source: Children's Healthcare of Atlanta/fit kids and AHA
