With September being
childhood obesity awareness month we will discuss why this is a public
health problem, contributing factors and ways to promote healthy habits.
According to the CDC 19% of children in the United States are obese. This is a
major issue because obese children are at a higher risk of developing other
serious health related issues such as; asthma, bone and joint problems, high
blood pressure, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Additional issues for
children that are obese include and increase likelihood to be bullied by their peers
which can lead to depression, low self esteem and other mental health issues.
Lastly, people who are obese as children are more likely to be obese as adults
which can cause costly long term physical and mental problems.
A few main contributing factors to childhood obesity include
excessive inactivity, lack of sleep, lack of access to opportunities to being
physically active, limited access to healthy nutritious food and easy access to
cheap high calorie foods. One key factor in preventing childhood obesity and
supporting healthy growth is to be aware of your child's growth. Because every
child is different, make sure you are being attentive to their individual
needs. Another way to help reduce the risk of obesity is to make sure your
child stays active. Find a sport or activity that they enjoy and encourage them
to try new things! Ensure that your
child is drinking a lot of water and limit sugary juices. The recommended
amount of water someone should drink in a day is half their body weight in
ounces of water. For example, if an individual weighs 100 lbs they should drink
at least 50 ounces of water per day. Lastly, be a role model to your child.
Partake in physical activities and sports with them. Make getting exercise
something that is fun and exciting for both of you! Eat healthier meals and
snacks showing them that healthy food can still be tasty. Next time you are at
the grocery store with your child try to pick one item of fresh produce that
you have never had. Look up recipes and cook or prepare those meals together.
Show them that trying new things can be fun and taste good!
In Minnesota there are a lot of different food assistance
programs and food shelves. So if getting access to fresh fruits and vegetables
is difficult try checking out a local banks like Second Harvest Heartland, VEAP
or Loaves and Fishes. All of these companies are local, community involved,
accessible and dedicated to making sure healthy and nutritious food options are
available for everyone. You can also ask a healthcare provider for different
resources or programs within your community. For more ways to keep your family
happy and healthy visit our website at www.oxborochiro.com.
By: Julia Jacobson, Office Manager
Oxboro Family Chiropractic, P.A.
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