Being active in a sport or an activity that encourages rapid movement is essential for keeping the body in shape and remaining healthy, and it is important for a child to get as much physical activity as possible. An absence of physical education programs in schools and with the increasing popularity of social media, more children are gaining weight that is hard to get off because of the lack of required physical activity. A child typically doesn’t see the importance of being active as it comes to health, so there needs to be guidance set into place on behalf of the parent to get them moving. Plan family days that have a physical activity at their core to encourage the entire family to get involved in being physically fit. Family basketball games, water volleyball or dance contests in the house are fun ways to get the body moving. Gyms often have classes for young people who have parents that are members of the gym.
Lead by example.
Children primarily look to their parents or guardians for advice and guidance on how to live properly, so one of the most important ways to reduce the chances of childhood obesity is to model for children the proper ways of eating and living. Children pick up unhealthy habits from their parents unknowingly sometimes and this sets them up for failure. Lead by example and monitor your own intake of sugar and choose to leave those sugary treats on the shelf. Begin to buy healthier options when it comes to foods and reduce the amount of boxed foods that are purchased. Educate yourself about healthier eating habits, and incorporate some form of exercise into your own routine. Lead by example and a child will follow suit, and may even enjoy it.
Increase water intake.
The first type of drink a child thinks to grab when he or she is thirsty is typically something that is colorful and loaded with dozens of grams of sugar. Increasing your child’s water intake and decreasing the amount of sugar-filled drinks will help tremendously with preventing obesity. Swap out the Kool-Aid filled with sugar for fruit-infused water or make fresh juices and smoothies. Create a pitcher of water with cucumbers, lemon and mint to add flavor and an alkaline property that will also help to balance the body’s pH. Drinking water helps to flush the body of toxins that can cause health issues and it also helps to maintain weight by boosting metabolism. Stay hydrated to keep the pounds off.
Parents: 1 In 3 Children Will Develop This Disease was originally published on blackdoctor.org
