September National Health Observance-Childhood Obesity

About 1 in 5 (19%) children in the United States is obese per the CDC...  I know this can be a subject that is "touchy" but as parents and fellow community members we need to be aware and informed even on the "touchy" subjects... 

Please note there is no simple solution, there are many ways we can support our children with their journey to good health.... And I still believe a person is more than a number (weight)... and at the same time children need to learn healthy habits from us more than ever. Children are the future which we want them to have the best possible future... hence posting this since it's part of September's awareness month and it is important... ​

Possible Health Issues-

• Children with obesity are at higher risk for having other chronic health conditions and diseases, such as asthma, sleep apnea, bone and joint problems, and type 2 diabetes. They also have more risk factors for heart disease like high blood pressure and high cholesterol than their normal weight peers (**doesn't always mean that it occurs and that the normal weight peers don't have these issues too).
• Children with obesity can be bullied and teased more than their normal weight peers. They are also more likely to suffer from social isolation, depression, and lower self-esteem.
• Children with obesity are more likely to have obesity as adults. 

Many factors can have an impact on childhood obesity, including eating and physical activity behaviors, genetics, metabolism, family and home environment, and community and social factors. For some children and families, obesity may be influenced by the following:

• too much time spent being inactive
• lack of sleep
• lack of places to go in the community to get physical activity
• easy access to inexpensive, high calorie foods and sugary beverages
• lack of access to affordable, healthier foods

How to support Healthy Growth

• Be aware of your child’s growth. 
• Provide nutritious, lower-calorie foods such as fruits and vegetables in place of foods high in added sugars and solid fats. Try serving more fruit and vegetables at meals and as snacks.
• Make sure drinking water is always available as a no-calorie alternative to sugary drinks and limit juice intake.
• Help children get the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Regular physical activity can have immediate health benefits like better sleep, better academic achievement, and reduced feelings of anxiety and stress. Look here for age appropriate activities your child can do.
• Make sure your child has healthy sleep habits. Sleep helps improve attention and reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and even obesity later in life. Get your child to bed at the same time each day, including the weekends; remove electronic devices from the bedroom; and keep their bedroom dark and cool. Your child needs at least 8 hours of sleep, may be more depending on age. Find out how much sleep your child needs.
• Be a role model! Eat healthy meals and snacks, and get the right amount of physical activity every day.
• Learn what you can do to help shape a healthy school environment.

Other possible resources-

• Childhood Overweight and Obesity
• Vital Signs—Progress on Childhood Obesity
• Ideas to Help Children Maintain a Healthy Weight
• Strategies to Prevent Obesity—Early Care and Education
• Be Active: Connecting Routes + Destinations
• State and Local Programs –Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity
• Rethink Your Drink
• CDC Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans
• ChooseMyPlate.gov
• Adolescent and School Health

Material above retrieved from: 
CDC- https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/features/childhood-obesity/index.html

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