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Scale Back Childhood Obesity
A girl cries in her room because of the teasing she endured on the bus ride home from school. As a boy gets seconds at a family picnic, his aunt looks at him and says he doesn't need it. A girl shops with her friends at a cool new store in the mall where a sales clerk informs her that they don't have a plus-size section.
There can be tremendous cruelty associated with childhood obesity. It often has a more damaging psychological impact than the weight itself. Beyond self esteem, bearing extra weight has harmful physical effects as well. Obesity can increase the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke and certain cancers.
While none of us wants to set our child on a course toward obesity, it often happens unintentionally. We have busy lives… but busy doesn't always mean active. In fact, studies indicate that children are getting less physical activity than they need. Because of our busy schedules, we don't always have time to choose the best foods - we often grab what's fast and easy. While a kid may like those foods, they often have more calories and larger portions than is healthy.
What can you do to help? Little changes can make a big difference. So find the changes you know will work in your lives.
Here are some helpful options from MeritCare:
Cooking - find quick, easy and nutritious recipes… that even kids will love.
Information - read about healthy eating and wellness. If you are in the know, then better choices will be easier.
Doctor - establish a relationship with a primary care provider. On-going check-ups make a big difference as a doctor monitors your child's health.
Programs - we offer and participate in several that might help.
- Fitness - let family fun night include a workout. The Family Fitness Program at Lifelong Fitness includes a fitness evaluation and two sessions of individualized instruction. Schedule a free, not obligation consultation to see the facility and learn more. Call (701) 234-8750.
- We Can! - Some schools in the region participate in We Can! It's a free 8-week after school program for students. It encourages healthy eating, increases physical activity, reduces TV time and includes four interactive parent sessions. For more information, call (701) 234-6202.
- KidQuest Program - This new program was developed to provide support to children between ages 8-12 and their families by helping change thoughts and behaviors, as well as changing environmental and lifestyle factors that contribute to weight gain. Parents are required to participate in the program to help improve the use of learned skills and to maximize long-term outcomes. Program goals include establishing healthy eating patterns, increasing physical activity and using behavioral and parenting tools to implement and maintain lifestyle changes. For more information click here or call Jeana at 701-234-4111.
- 5-2-1-0 - it's a countdown to health. MeritCare recommends the 5-2-1-0 program to its pediatric patients. Everyday, your child should have…
- 5 fruits and vegetables
- 2 hours or less of screen time (includes TV and computer)
- 1 hour or more of physical activity
- 0 servings of sweetened beverages (includes fruit juice)
Posted Date: November 2008