SToday’s children are the least active in history. Few of our schools requirephysical education anymore.

Most community playgrounds haveeither closed, are not convenientor are not safe to use. Children

watch television or use thecomputer instead of going

outside and playing.

We have fewer community schools, so fewer children walk or ride a bicycle to school. Parents drive them or they ride a bus.

The physical side

More families need bothparents working. Thismay lead to less time forhealthy meal planning.

That’s why fast foodshave become the answerto our time demands.Processed foods allow us to get dinner on thetable faster. We eat fewer fresh vegetables because it takes longer to cook them.

We often eat on therun. “I’ll grab a burgerand fries” is a commonanswer to a quick meal.And fast food restaurantsand makers of sweettreats and other snackfoods often market to children.

We also programchildren to “clean yourplate”—that wasting foodis a bad thing.

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Pritchett & Hull Associates, Inc. Atlanta, GA 800-241-4925Providing Quality Health Education Materials Since 1973

Product # 495Copyright © 2003-2007Pritchett & Hull Associates, Inc.DO NOT DUPLICATE.

The food connection

Childhood Obesity

About 13% of children ages 6 to 11 and 14% of adolescents ages 12 to 19 areobese. And being obese can lead to health problems. Why are more and morechildren overweight and obese today than ever before? For most, the answerslie in how and what they eat and the lack of physical activity.

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SChildhood Obesity

Get them moving

For the most part, children eat whatthey are given. And for most, whatthey eat is habit forming.

Less than 10% of your child’sdaily calories should come fromfats. And about 65% of caloriesshould come from carbohydrates.

Try these tips:

• Fresh fruits instead of cookies can help control calories in snacks.

• Serve fewer fried foods, sweets and other fatty foods.

• Cook fresh or frozen vegetableswith less fat.

• Limit fast food to once a week or less.

• Cut down on portion sizes at each meal.

• Serve more fiber (it tends to make you feel full).

• Plan ahead. Know what you need from the grocery store.

• Teach your child to read food labels. Make it a game (Example: What has less fat?).

• Do not keep high calorie foods around.

®

Pritchett & Hull Associates, Inc. Atlanta, GA 800-241-4925Providing Quality Health Education Materials Since 1973

Copyright © 2003-2007Pritchett & Hull Associates, Inc.DO NOT DUPLICATE.

Changing food habits

Change onething at a time.

If physical education is offered at your child’s school, require thatit be taken. Talk with the school about setting up a program if it is not offered.

Limit the amount of time your child can watch TV or play on the computer each day. Encourage him or her to get outside and play.

Look for communities that have a safe playground close by for your child to use.

As a family, you may want to start riding bicycles or walkingtogether. Being more active will help

you, too, and yourchildren will enjoythis quality timewith you. Stayinvolved. It

will be time well spent.

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