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Preventing Overweight Children |
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Obesity is a problem among today’s children. When more calories are consumed than are used up, a child becomes overweight. Someone is considered obese if they weigh 20% more than other people of the same sex, age and build. Children do go through periods of looking chubby, however, and should slim down naturally as they grow. Obesity can be a family disorder. Both children and parents may need to change certain habits. For instance, if parents have bad eating habits and do not exercise, their kids will copy them. Busy parents and children may overlook the value of talking to each other. Children who don’t learn to express their feelings may turn to food to comfort themselves instead. Also, our modern life leads to bad habits: *we have less time and more conveniences. *instead of walking to the store, we drive. *instead of eating a well balances meal, we microwave macaroni and cheese or have fast food. *instead of actively playing outside, children play video games and watch TV. The best way to keep your children from being too fat is to keep them naturally active and feed them as best as possible, right from a young age. The parent’s job is to 1) choose and prepare a variety of foods, 2) serve meals and healthy snacks at set times, 3) not handout food in between times, 4) have pleasant and friendly family meals. The child’s job is to decide how much to eat and whether to eat. Never force your child to eat nor give free access to the refrigerator. Never use food as a bribe or reward. Helpful tips for healthy weight: *Stay active. Don’t force it on your children, but provide them with plenty of chances to run and play and be involved in school activities. Make it fun. *Cut down on the amount of time you let them watch TV or play video games. *Greatly limit how much soda pop your child drinks. *Talk to your children. Let them express their feelings so they don’t have to use food as a substitute. *Don’t try to control you child’s natural body. Put your efforts into feeling good about your child, helping them develop good self-esteem, dealing with their feelings and getting along with others. Do your part to keep yourself and your children healthy and active.
***This information is from a pamphlet from Noodle Soup. For further information, contact www.noodlesoup.com.
This message is brought to you as part of the “Healthy Minds/Healthy Bodies” educational campaign sponsored by Beatrice Community Hospital Gage County PATCH. For further information and resources, contact Sharon Langvardt, MS, LCMFT, Blue Valley Behavioral Health, (402) 228-3386 or slangvardt@bvbh.net or (402)223-3103.
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