Obesity In Children

By Lisa VanWilliams

Between television, games, and processed foods, we have to monitor our children to make sure they don't get to caught up and that they are getting their 60 minutes of physical activity a day. Gym at school does not count.

The CDC states that over 12.5 million children ages 2-19 are obese in the U.S. and the trend is going up instead of down.  Genetics, family environment, & psychological factors are some things that can all have an influence.

Try to keep healthy food choices readily available for your children. Most kids are not getting the daily recommended amounts of fruits and veggies. Fresh fruit sliced, petite carrots, broccoli, grapes and berries are just a few examples of what to have on hand. I just brought home a carton of strawberries yesterday and between last night and this morning my daughter almost ate all of them. Try to limit the sugar intake (this is easier to do when Grandma is not sneaking them cookies), and encourage water instead of sugar laden drinks.  Skip the whole milk and go for the 2%.

Hopscotch, jump rope, kick ball, fly a kite, roller skate, relive your childhood and get out there and play.