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Written on August 31, 2006 by Nicole

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Five Reasons Why Kids NEED to be Healthy

According to an article in Parents magazine, “Ready, Set, Get Healthy,” your kids need to get active today and here’s the five reasons why:

  1. To Fight Obesity: The percentage of obese children has tripled since 1980.
  2. To Prevent Diabetes: More and more children are developing type 2 diabetes due to inactivity and fatty diets.
  3. To Live Longer: The Institute of Medicine predicts that today’s kids will be the first generation in history to die younger than their parents! Wow! A fit child, who gets regular excersie increases his changes for a long life.
  4. To Build a Stronger Body: Physical activity reduces weight, lowers blood pressure and helps build strong muscles and bones.
  5. To be a Happier Kid: Growing up is hard enough without being an overweight child!

For more information, see the full article on page 122 of the September 2006 issue of Parents or check out the free podcast on childhood obesity on the Parents web site.

A great way to keep your kids moving is to sign them up for a team sport. Kids can usually play soccer and t-ball through local sports organizations, YMCA or church programs starting at 4-years-old. This will help your kids learn a new skill, learn about cooperation, raise their self confidence and most importantly get them moving a couple hours per week between weekly games and practices.

Comments

2 Responses to “Five Reasons Why Kids NEED to be Healthy”

  1. Wendy on June 9th, 2008 12:56 pm

    My daughter is 5 and she will be 6 in August she was about 78lbs right now I dont want to continue to she her like this money is an issue for me do you have some suggetions for me on what I can do to start helping her now.

  2. Katie on June 9th, 2008 1:41 pm

    Hi Wendy,

    Good for you for deciding to do something while your daughter is still young!

    Even when money is an issue, there are things you can do to improve not only your daughter’s, but your entire family’s health.

    First off, take a look at what she’s eating. Eliminate any junk foods, fast foods, candy, chips - well, you get the idea. Replace those foods with healthier options like fruit (kids usually like bananas, apples, grapes and berries).

    Replace whatever she’s drinking with pure clean water. It may take a while to get used to, but the health benefits of drinking plenty of water are amazing.

    Increase the amount of exercise she’s getting. That might be taking her on a walk around the block after dinner or encouraging her to play outside instead of watching television. My little girl has a great yoga DVD for kids that keeps her hopping around the room. :-)

    Hopefully, that gives you someplace to start. It might not be easy and the results might not be immediate, but the long term results are worth it. Good luck!

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