A study completed last spring by the Ottawa County Health Department found that about one out of four third graders in our community is overweight or obese. You probably know that a healthy diet and plenty of activity can prevent kids from becoming overweight. Living up to that ideal in today’s busy world is easier said than done. What’s the best way to keep your child healthy?
First, it is important to know if your child is overweight. Your child’s doctor can tell you if your child has a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI), the measure to determine if your child is overweight. You can also use the BMI calculator. If your child is overweight, intervening now can prevent serious health problems in the future. If your child is at a healthy weight, eating right and being active can keep them that way. Five tips to get your started:
- Aim for five vegetable and fruit servings each day.
- Limit sugary beverages like pop, juice and sports drinks.
- Expose your child to a variety of physical activities.
- Limit screen time to a total of one to two hours per day.
- Eat healthier and be active as a family. Everyone will benefit.
