Childhood obesity
This is where our problem begins. Teaching children to eat healthy plays a very important role in solving America's obesity problem. Many parents let their children to indulge themselves in chips, candy, and chocolates rather than teaching them the importance of eating their vegetables. Because of this, Childhood Obesity continues to grow at a very rapid rate.
In fact, in 2012, over one third of our nation's population was either overweight or obese, 18% of which were children between the ages of 6-11 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). That's over 12.5 million children who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) over what they should be (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
RISKS
Not eating healthy is connected directly to every person's healthy. Many diseases and health-related problems are linked to Childhood Obesity. These risks include:
PREVENTION
How can you prevent obesity in your children? Easy. Pay attention to what your children are eating. With the large amount of unhealthy but tasty snacks available, we know it's hard to turn your cart down the produce aisle. But eating healthy is very important, especially at youth. Eating healthy snacks and proper portions is a small sacrifice to be healthy. So throw out the cookies and bring on the carrots. Be sure also to keep your child active. Children are full of energy and need to use that energy to stay fit. Rather than watching a movie, go to the park or playground. Influencing your child to live healthier a the starting step. Don't allow your child to become part of America's problem.
In fact, in 2012, over one third of our nation's population was either overweight or obese, 18% of which were children between the ages of 6-11 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). That's over 12.5 million children who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) over what they should be (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
RISKS
Not eating healthy is connected directly to every person's healthy. Many diseases and health-related problems are linked to Childhood Obesity. These risks include:
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Prediabetes, which usually develops into Diabetes
- Bone and Joint Problems
- Sleep Apnea
- Stigmatization
- Low Self-Esteem
PREVENTION
How can you prevent obesity in your children? Easy. Pay attention to what your children are eating. With the large amount of unhealthy but tasty snacks available, we know it's hard to turn your cart down the produce aisle. But eating healthy is very important, especially at youth. Eating healthy snacks and proper portions is a small sacrifice to be healthy. So throw out the cookies and bring on the carrots. Be sure also to keep your child active. Children are full of energy and need to use that energy to stay fit. Rather than watching a movie, go to the park or playground. Influencing your child to live healthier a the starting step. Don't allow your child to become part of America's problem.