HELP ME GROW: Let’s Fight to Reduce Childhood Obesity

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, childhood obesity has increased dramatically putting kids at risk for health problems, including: high cholesterol, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. Now is the perfect time to get informed about healthier lifestyle choices. Obesity and being overweight can lead to expensive and life threatening health problems.

40% of Delaware children 2-17 years old are overweight.

According to Nemours: 80.1% of Delaware parents who have overweight children think their kids are a ‘healthy weight’. The number of kids who are obese in Delaware is significant and they need their parents’ help. Here are some helpful tips to reduce your child’s risk of obesity:

• Make small changes to your family’s daily life. Start keeping fresh fruit within reach or going on family walks after dinner. Learn how to eat healthy on a budget. Plan meals that will help each member of your family eat 5 or more fruits and veggies a day. The smallest of changes can go a long way!

• Monitor your child’s TV viewing. Limit total, non-educational screen time to no more than two hours per day and avoid putting a television in your child’s bedroom. Advertisements for junk and fast food increase a child’s desire for these foods.

• Encourage your kids to get active. Incorporate 60 minutes of play and 30 minutes of quality time into your child’s daily routine. Check out these 8 great places to play in Delaware.

• Teach your child about good nutrition. Include your kids when you are making meals. You can talk to your kids about what you are making or you can give your child easy tasks like setting the table! Introducing your kids to healthy food options at an early age may make them more willing to try new and healthier foods in the future. You can encourage kids to eat more fruits and veggies with these FUN recipes. Kids tend to like activities more when they are involved. This will create new healthy kitchen habits! Check out QT 30 for more kid friendly kitchen activities.

Do you have questions about childhood obesity? Feel free to dial 2-1-1 to reach the Help Me Grow hotline. Hours of Operation are Monday –Friday 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
NOTE: If you have an EMERGENCY dial 9-1-1 or your local emergency response number.