HEALTH AND WELLNESS TIPS FOR YOUR FAMILY

Childhood obesity is a national epidemic

1 in 5 children are over weight.

Over weight children are more likely to be over weight adults.

Over weight children suffer emotional and social problems such as teasing, being singled out, being left out, and low self worth and self esteem.

More importantly, over weight children are at risk for devastating illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, bone and joint problems, and high blood pressure.

What can parents do?

1. Remember, you, the parent, are in charge of food decision in your home.

2. Changing eating habits and food choices will be difficult at first ….BUT STICK WITH IT.

3. Never punish or reward with food.

4. Don’t skip meals.

5. Serve fruit and or vegetable with every meal.

6. Don’t shop without a grocery list.

7. eliminate soft drinks

8. drink only water between meals

9. limit computer time to 2 hours or less….don’t let this be negotiable

10. do not double, super-size, or biggie anything

11. encourage healthy eating habits and attitudes towards food

12. Promote physical activity …adolescents should have moderate physical activities that last 20 minutes or longer at least 3 times a week.

13. don’t just talk the talk, walk the walk…set a good example for your children

Nora Gillespie RN Grafton High School clinic 898-0549

Nurse Nora RN