Monkey Joe's Blog
3 Things You Need to Know About Childhood Obesity
Posted on Jan 06, 2017
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Turning over a new page on the calendar is always good for a fresh start, and for many families, January is a chance to reset routines and commit to a healthier lifestyle. With childhood obesity on the rise, it's more important than ever for parents to be aware of the risks and help kids develop healthy habits to last a lifetime.
Childhood obesity carries health risks
Obesity isn't just a number on a scale; carrying extra body fat can lead to serious health issues for kids that were once only common in adults, like high blood pressure and cholesterol--risk factors for heart disease down the line; high blood sugar, high triglycerides, and insulin resistance, which can lead to Type 2 Diabetes; and respiratory problems like asthma and sleep apnea. Wondering how so many kids could be at risk for these serious health issues? Well, that's because...
Many American kids are not getting what they need to be healthy
Most parents work hard trying to provide their kids with all of the things they need to be healthy and happy, so it's shocking to find out that their kids are not getting enough of something that's crucial to their health and well-being. Nonetheless, so many kids today are simply not getting enough exercise! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, kids should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Unfortunately, with kids between the ages of 8 and 18 years old spending an average of 6 hours per day watching TV or playing video games, many are not getting anywhere close to that amount of exercise.
Exercise isn't the only necessity for a healthy body and mind; kids also need healthy food to fuel their bodies for playing, learning, and growing! According to the USDA, only 2% of U.S. kids are getting a fully-rounded, healthy diet.
Helping your kids develop healthy habits is easier than you think
If these issues sound familiar, don't worry! There are plenty of simple, easy changes you can make to help your whole family enjoy a healthier lifestyle and reduce your kids' risk of childhood obesity. Here are some tips to try in 2017:
- Limit screen time. Reduce your kids' screen time each day to just 2 hours. They will almost certainly make a passionate argument that they will literally die of boredom if denied access to Netflix, YouTube, and video games, but stay strong. They will eventually realize that there are other ways to amuse themselves, especially if you provide fun alternatives like sports equipment or backyard games. Bad weather? No worries! Just bring the kids to your nearest Monkey Joe's to burn some energy at our indoor inflatable playground.
- Lead by example. "Do as I say, not as I do" is a notoriously ineffective parenting strategy, so make sure your kids see you modeling healthy habits, from getting active on a daily basis to choosing healthy snacks.
- Focus on positives. No one likes to be deprived, so focus on the positives! Instead of listing off all the foods you and your kids won't be eating, try to reframe your new family lifestyle in terms of what you'll be adding. Your menu should include 5 or more servings of fruits and veggies per day, so make a game of it by allowing your kids to help you pick out a new item from the produce section to add to the menu each week. They'll appreciate getting to exercise some control over their food choices, and you might even discover a new favorite dish!
Infographic courtesy of Wheels for Wishes
