Childhood Obesity

  • Published
  • By Andrea Moneymaker
  • Fitness Educator, Health and Wellness Center
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Childhood Obesity is increasing nationwide. Unfortunately Team Eglin is not immune. 

Children are getting fatter. While some say it's a "growing phase" or "they'll grow out of it" - the truth is habits and behaviors that are established as a child remain with you into adulthood. 

Overweight or obese children are more likely to grow up to be overweight or obese adults. Sadly, it's not a matter of self esteem only. Diabetes and heart disease is being diagnosed at younger and younger ages. Joint problems of the knees, ankles and backs are also on the rise. And yes of course a child's psyche is affected. 

What can we do? Military boot camp for kids is not recommended, setting a good example for our children is. Here are some simple questions to ask yourself: Is the family sitting down together at meal time? How many fast food meals does your family eat? Are you eating prepackaged dinners or "convenience" foods? What kind of snacks do you and your family eat? Do you practice good portion sizes? 

One simple way to teach kids how to look at the food labels is to let them pick out two similar snacks, or cereals and show them how to compare the two products and make wiser choices based on the information they read. Teaching children and teens what a serving size means is also a simple way to raise awareness of portion control. 

Are you and your family eating at least 5 servings of vegetables and fruits a day?
How is the activity level in your household? Does your child have a TV in their bedroom? Does your family participate in some type of exercise together? A simple walk before and after dinner is a nice way to start. You might consider keeping a Frisbee or a ball in your car for those moments you can safely play. (A hula hoop or a jump rope might be fun if you are really feeling adventurous!) 

Kids with a TV in their bedrooms typically watch more television that those that don't have one. To help parents and kids remember some of these tips, all you have to remember is 5-2-1-0.

5 - At least five fruits and vegetables a day.
2 - No more than 2 hours of TV a day.
1 - At least 1 hour of some type of activity.
0 - No Tv's in the bedroom.

If you need help with answering any of the above questions or would like additional tips the HAWC is presenting the FIT FACTOR on April 26 from 4-5:30 pm at the Youth Center. FIT FACTOR is an interactive class that parents and kids attend together to learn tips on healthy eating, make and eat healthy snacks, and participate in fun exercise activities. 

There will also be an Information Fair with representatives available from Dental, Pediatrics and Safey to offer education in their area of expertise. Contact Andrea Moneymaker at 883-9129 or Kay Jones 883-8022 to register for FIT FACTOR. 

For more information on children/youth health and fitness visit these websites: www.kidshealth.org; http://mypyramid.gov/; www.amercianheart.org; www.5aday.com