In the past few decades, the prevalence of obesity has doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents. With this, there is an increased risk for children and adolescents to develop not only chronic diseases, but social and psychological problems as well.
A recent study has found that parents' involvement in their children's physical activity and screen time, has an impact on their overall health and physical activity levels. It was found that children whose parents took them to parks and playgrounds are two times more likely to meet physical activity guidelines than parents who did not. This also goes for parents who participated in physical activities with their children. Additionally, parents who put time restrictions on screen time for their children were more likely to meet physical activity guidelines than parents who sat down and watched TV with their children while at home.
On the other hand, parents and families that are more involved in their children's eating habits tend to have healthier children who eat more fruits and vegetables and less junk. Families that eat their meals together are 67% more likely to meet the guidelines for fruit and vegetables than those who do not.
So, to help in making your children healthier starting at a young age, try to follow some of these tips. While some are much easier said than done, starting to make them a habit within your family with defintely make a difference in the future of your children.
- Participate in physical activity with your children
- Eat dinner as a family
- Set a time restriction on screen time
- Take your children to parks and playgrounds to just run around and have fun
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