Forbes – Bob Cook
The Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s annual Topline Participation Report was released March 26, and the good or bad news it that the percentage of Americans six and over who are physically inactive is about 27.6 percent, which plus or minus a few percentage points is where that number has been every year since 2012. (more)
The Global News – Dani-Elle Dubé
Over the last 30 years, obesity rates among Canada’s children and youth have nearly tripled – and it’s a problem that could potentially worsen if parents don’t do something about it. While there are several non-modifiable factors that contribute to a child’s weight gain, there are also factors that parents can help their children change, experts say. (more)
Medical X-Press – Staff Writer
The journey to obesity can start as young as age one so increased physical activity should be established and encouraged early, University of Otago researchers say. In a world first, Otago researchers tracked physical activity and sedentary behaviour in children aged one to five, and analysed how activity levels related to body composition at age five. While three hours per day of light to vigorous activity is recommended, they found a large proportion of young children maintain a highly sedentary pattern. (more)
The Independent – Chris Weller
Japanese school lunches aren’t synonymous with “mystery meat,” but rather, shokuiku. It means “food and nutrition education,” and it’s a vital part of the Japanese child’s early education. Beginning in elementary school, kids come to understand that what you put into your body matters a great deal in how you think and feel throughout the day — and how you go about your life. (more)
The Washington Post – Casey Seidenberg
Yes, feeding children can be challenging. They can be picky eaters. They may start rejecting foods they once loved or feel too afraid to try new ones. They may refuse vegetables and insist that ketchup top everything. All these behaviors are normal, yet as parents, there are right ways and wrong ways to respond. We can help our kids push through these periods with healthy habits intact, or we can lead them toward overeating, emotional eating or picky eating through the way we handle food. (more)