A Healthy Household!

Hello All,

In the United States, 17% of children are obese and that number is rising. (That is so scary!)  Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic and one that can be prevented by a few simple steps!  A study done in 2010 didn't focus on sports or trying to completely change a child's diet.  It talks about changing their home routine.  What does it target?
  • Eating a family meal together five days a week
  • Getting more sleep (at least an hour)
  • Lowering the amount of time a child is in front of a screen (TV or computer). 
How much of a different did these changes make?

"Children in the intervention group increased their sleep by a half hour per day, reduced their TV viewing by one hour per day, and decreased their body mass index (BMI) by 20 percent."

These simple changes slowed down weight gain in children (by 40%!), decreased BMI, and this doesn't even include what could be done regarding health and exercise! 

Here are some extra ideas to add into your daily routine: 
  • Getting kids involved with sports
  • Encouraging them to play outside
  • Going on bike rides
  • Packing their lunch with at least one fruit and vegetable
  • Substituting ingredients at dinner for healthier meals. 
 Whether it's your child, niece, nephew, or the kid next door, you can lead by example and follow a clean lifestyle.  Prevent illness in the future by focusing on health today!
 
 

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