National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

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Published on Thursday, 29 August 2019 13:51

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

One in 3 children in the United States is overweight or obese. Childhood obesity puts kids at risk for health problems that were cone seen only in adults, like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

The good news is that childhood obesity can be prevented. In honor of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, the Andrew County Health Department encourages your family to make healthy changes together.

• Be active outside: Walk around the neighborhood, work in a garden, go on a bike ride, or plan basketball in the park.
• Limit screen time: Keep screen time (time spent on the computer, watching TV, or playing video games) to 2 hours or less a day.
• Eat healthy meals: Buy and serve more vegetables, fruits, and whole-grain foods. Plant a garden.

Taking small steps a family can help your child stay at a healthy weight.

Breastfeeding during infancy can protect a child from becoming obese later in life!

• Breastfeeding protects against excessive weight gain during infancy
• Breastfed babies can regulate their calorie intake better
• Breastfed babies are exposed to many different flavors and are more open to a variety of foods later in life
• Breastfed babies have better intestinal health
• Breastfed babies are better at recognizing and responding to their hunger ad full cues.