September is childhood obesity month: Here’s what you should know to keep your child healthy

By India Ogazi

September is childhood obesity month. And although the month is coming to a close, preventing childhood obesity is still a health-care priority. According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, one in three children in America are obese. Make sure your little ones stay healthy and fit with these easy-to-follow tips.

“10 Tips: Build Healthy Mealtime Habits”

• Plan meals and snacks
  Prepare three meals and one or two snacks every day. Offer choices from each food group — fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy and protein foods — throughout the day so your child gets the nutrition he or she needs.
• Make meals enjoyable
  Eat meals with your children whenever possible. And keep mealtime upbeat and stress free.
  Let them help you prepare the meal.
• Try to get two food groups in a snack
  Pair sliced tomato with low-fat cheese or add nut butter to a 100% whole-wheat mini bagel.

Click here to read all 10 tips from the United States Department of Agriculture.

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), children should do one hour of physical activity each day to stay fit. Make a physical activity plan for you and your kids with these tips.

“Everyday Ideas to Move More”

• Identify free times and pick two 30-minute time slots you could use for family-activity time.

• Add physical activity to your daily routine. For example, walk or ride your bike to work or a friend’s house, walk the dog with your children, exercise while you watch TV, or park farther away from your destination.

Click here to read more ideas to move more from the National Institutes of Health.

With these lifestyle adjustments, you and your family can be on the road to a healthier and happier life.