The Fight Against Childhood Obesity: A Team Effort
Jessica Pierce
| 2 min read
Is obesity linked to eating too many calories in one day, or is it a lack of physical activity? The answer is: both.
Obesity is the result of eating too many calories and not getting enough exercise, and it affects children everywhere. Kids today are faced with:
- Increased portion sizes
- High calorie foods and sugary drinks
- A lack of daily activity
- Too much television and other media
All of these things play a role in increasing a child’s risk for obesity.
Kids Need Role Models
There is no simple solution for childhood obesity, but we can make a difference by teaching kids the benefits of healthy habits and by serving as role models. If parents and communities across the nation come together to help kids make healthy choices, then we are sure to change this epidemic.
Recently, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Project FIT, and Matthew Stafford joined forces to reach over 200 kids from four different Grand Rapids elementary schools. Matthew Stafford spoke to the kids about the importance of exercising on a daily basis and eating more fruits and vegetables.
Exercise Can Be Fun
Stafford rotated between 8 exercise stations, working out with kids by stretching, running sprints, and doing jumping jacks. Having a role model like Matthew Stafford encourages kids to make healthy choices.
Parents and community leaders can join the fight by working to:
- Expand programs that bring local fruits and vegetables to schools
- Implement salad bars in schools
- Increase access to free drinking water
- Limit the sale of sugary drinks in school
- Establish school wellness and nutrition policies
So in conclusion, there is a place for each of us in the fight against childhood obesity. To find out how to support healthy lifestyle activities for kids in your community, visit this site.
Do you encourage your kids to adopt healthy habits? Share your ideas and favorite family activities here.
Photo Credit: Lighttruth
