Keeping the Family Healthy
Weight Conscious
At this point in development, your child's health is crucial and will affect them greatly in the future. It is important to know all of the health problems that could potentially harm their development
Overweight Kids
Obesity is a very large problem in America, specifically for kids. It is important to make sure that your kids are eating the right foods and are also exercising for about 30 minutes a day. Just doing these things can help your child be healthy and well prepared for their continuous growth of development
Causes of Children Being Overweight
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Environment
The food that you buy for your family is very import not only for your children but for you as well. Buy fruits and veggies and encourage your child to eat those kinds of foods. At the same time, you should also eat those kids of foods, not only for your health but for them to see that this kind of eating will happen throughout the household
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Hereditary & Genetics
Chances are if you and your family members are overweight, your child will be overweight as well. Diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and low self-esteem usually run in the family as well that are related to being overweight. If you are unhappy with your body parents and are vocal about it, chances are your child is too.
Cardiovascular Disease
Although this isn't common in children, it can take on early forms with children who are overweight. Diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol are all very common in children who are overweight
Ways to Lose Weight & Stay Healthy
Eat healthy foods: Buy foods that aren't high in sugars and fat. Fruits, veggies, nuts, and proteins like chicken and meat are very beneficial to you and your child's health. Foods like ice cream, candy, and chips should be every once in awhile foods, not foods you consume every day
Exercise & move your body: It doesn't have to be vigorous movement. Take your dog for a walk, take a family bike ride, or even play catch or pass a volleyball in the yard. It is just important to remember to keep moving. For weight loss, it is important to keep the heart rate elevated, so this could be running, walking long distances, or doing workouts at the gym or in your home
Limit family screentime: As a whole family, try to do activities together versus binge tv-shows and movies on the couch or being on your phone for hours at a time. Break out the board games or take some time to read. The more time you spend on a screen, the less time you are spending with your family and your kids
Referenced and used info from 17th Edition Life Span & Development written by John Santrock