Experts tell us that amount of overweight or obese children have reached epidemic proportions. The current statistics show that over 65% of Americans are obese with almost 30% falling into the clinically obese range. This trend spills over into the statistics for children with around 15% to 20% considered to be overweight and almost 30% of those are clinically obese. It is a known fact that family genetics and history play a significant part in whether your child will become obese. Many obese children have behavioral issues and learning difficulties. The medical community has already seen a spike in childhood diabetes and of the children diagnosed with Type II diabetes, 85% are obese. If you are worried that your child might be obese, your health care provider can measure your child's height and weight and let you know if your child is within the healthy range for his or her age. This is the best way to determine if your child’s excess weight is just part of a growth pattern that they will outgrow or is actually a bigger problem. Many parents are not aware of which foods are healthy for their children. A common error parents make is to provide cookies, chips and other high-calorie snack foods for their children to satisfy their hunger. These types of foods have very little nutritional value and are loaded with trans fats, sugar, artificial flavors and salt. Children who are raised learning to eat calorie laden low nutritional foods many times a week are more likely to keep such habits well into their adolescent and adult years. Buying only healthy foods in your house helps to eliminate temptation. Provide baby carrots or fruit instead of chips as a snack. The average child spends a lot of time watching television or playing computer games. These activities provide no exercise and often take away a child’s time when running around outside would be a more healthier choice. There are studies that contain strong evidence that television is very effective in making kids want to eat the junk foods that are advertised. We need to encourage our children to be more active. The weekly amount of physical education in our schools has dropped, so you need to sign up your child in a sports activity and encourage their involvement. Other fun family activities could include a walk, bike riding, going to the playground, swimming and shooting hoops on the basketball court. As a parent you should take part in helping your child and determining that your entire family learns healthy eating and physical activity habits that can last for a lifetime. Try to teach healthy and positive attitudes toward food and physical activity without focusing on body weight. A little improvement in your child's lifestyle can protect your child from being the victim of childhood obesity. Remember that children learn by example.
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Experts tell us that amount of overweight or obese children have reached epidemic proportions. The current statistics show that over 65% of Americans are obese with almost 30% falling into the clinically obese range. This trend spills over into the statistics for children with around 15% to 20% considered to be overweight and almost 30% of those are clinically obese. It is a known fact that family genetics and history play a significant part in whether your child will become obese.
To learn more about Obesity and Children, visit Tom Haye's website eChildHoodObesity.com to receive a free guide about developing healthy habits in children.
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