Tackling Childhood Obesity

By MATCHUP (Star Patcher)

By Matchup | Health and Wellness Blog

Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic; it has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the past 30 years, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. These statistics are unacceptable. How could we let it get this bad?

This isn’t just affecting them right now. If this behavior is kept up, it will continue to affect their health in the long-term. Children are consuming more and moving less. They are increasing their risk of developing serious health problems, including diabetes, asthma, heart disease and depression. We can’t just sit here with our heads down in shame. We have to face childhood obesity head on.

How can we solve this issue? With love, support and dedication to our children’s health, we can help to teach them how to live a healthy lifestyle, explain its importance, and creatively intervene to make sure they aren’t part of this statistic.

Ways To Fight Back Against Childhood Obesity

Help them make healthy lifestyle choices

Your children look up to you. They follow your every move. Be their example and model healthy eating habits, such as eating healthy and colorful foods. Incorporate fun exercises - even if it’s just going for walks - into your everyday routine. And most importantly, teach them the importance of their health.

Insist on wellness programs in the classroom

Your children are at school for a long portion of the day. Make sure that their district is making their health a priority. Healthy food should be served in the cafeteria, gym class should be attended regularly, and teachers can make it a point to incorporate being active into their lessons.

Active Video Games

Who would have thought that video games would be associated with health and wellness just a few years ago? Active video games - also known as exergames - are a great source of exercise. They almost trick your child into thinking they’re just playing a game, but what results is the improvement of their heart health, hand eye-coordination, and creativity.

It’s important we instill healthy values into the lives of children at a young age, so that they can carry them on for the rest of their lives. We can help to end this epidemic by implementing these types of things into their everyday routines. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Live healthier lives with your children now.