Childhood Obesity
I. Introduction
a. Childhood obesity is a rising epidemic in the United States.
b. We can teach children healthy eating habits, incorporate physical activity and lead by example.
II. Teaching healthy eating habits
a. Educate children about healthy foods and their benefits
b. Provide healthy alternatives to unhealthy snacks
c. Limit fast food for meals
III. Incorporating physical activity
a. Limit time for electronic use
b. Set a specific amount of time for daily outside activity
c. Make exercise games to gain interest
IV. Leading by example
a. Let the child assist in meal decisions
b. Cook healthy meals
c. Get involved with children in physical activity
V. As parents and educators it is our duty to promote healthy habits to prevent and solve the epidemic of childhood obesity.
Childhood obesity is a rising epidemic in the United States. “Despite steady progress over most of the past century toward ensuring the health of our country’s children, we begin the 21st century with a startling setback-an epidemic of childhood obesity” (Koplan, Iverman, and Kraak, 2005, p.1). We can help eliminate childhood obesity by teaching children healthy eating habits, incorporating physical activity and leading by example.
Teaching healthy eating habits is one way to reduce the risk of obesity. When children learn healthy eating habits from the time they start eating solid foods, they are more likely to continue making healthy food choices. Decisions are easier made when you have knowledge on the decision being made. There is a better chance children will make the smarter food choices when they understand why these are better choices. Typically, quick and easy foods, such as chips or cookies are given for snacks. Offering fruits or vegetables instead is providing a healthy alternative. Limiting fast
a. Childhood obesity is a rising epidemic in the United States.
b. We can teach children healthy eating habits, incorporate physical activity and lead by example.
II. Teaching healthy eating habits
a. Educate children about healthy foods and their benefits
b. Provide healthy alternatives to unhealthy snacks
c. Limit fast food for meals
III. Incorporating physical activity
a. Limit time for electronic use
b. Set a specific amount of time for daily outside activity
c. Make exercise games to gain interest
IV. Leading by example
a. Let the child assist in meal decisions
b. Cook healthy meals
c. Get involved with children in physical activity
V. As parents and educators it is our duty to promote healthy habits to prevent and solve the epidemic of childhood obesity.
Childhood obesity is a rising epidemic in the United States. “Despite steady progress over most of the past century toward ensuring the health of our country’s children, we begin the 21st century with a startling setback-an epidemic of childhood obesity” (Koplan, Iverman, and Kraak, 2005, p.1). We can help eliminate childhood obesity by teaching children healthy eating habits, incorporating physical activity and leading by example.
Teaching healthy eating habits is one way to reduce the risk of obesity. When children learn healthy eating habits from the time they start eating solid foods, they are more likely to continue making healthy food choices. Decisions are easier made when you have knowledge on the decision being made. There is a better chance children will make the smarter food choices when they understand why these are better choices. Typically, quick and easy foods, such as chips or cookies are given for snacks. Offering fruits or vegetables instead is providing a healthy alternative. Limiting fast
References: Koplan, Jeffrey P., Iverman, Jessica T., Kraak, Vivica I., (2005). Preventing Childhood Obesity: Health In The Balance. Retrieved from http://books.google.com/books?id=sLtDWbrLgm4C&dq=preventing+childhood+obesity&lr= WebMD, LLC , (2005-2013). Health and Fitness Guide - Better Information for Better Health. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/guide/default.htm