Fox 2 News – Staff Writer
“If you’re a busy parent, chances are you’ve been in the company of hungry children, desperate to find the nearest place to eat and refuel. Although fast food can make for a quick and appealing pit stop, meals can be high in calories, sugars and sodium. But that doesn’t mean fast food can’t have its place in a child’s diet.” (more)
SI Live – Dr. Gracelyn Santos
“School’s out and summer is finally here, which means kids can break free of schedules and homework. For busy moms and dads, summer vacation also means a break from taxiing kids to their extracurricular activities. Hallelujah! But wait. After a day or two from decompressing from the school-year grind, should kids really be allowed to become couch potatoes? Should summer months be synonymous with kids being lazy and unproductive? For parents who are not sure how to get their children energized about maintaining physical activity in July and August, don’t worry.” (more)
NDTV – Staff Writer
“‘Childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century. The prevalence has increased at an alarming rate. Globally, in 2015 the number of overweight children under the age of five, was estimated to be over 42 million,” WHO. Teenage obesity is also a growing concern, especially among Indian adolescents. Experts suggest lack of exercise to be one of the biggest perpetrators of weight gain in kids and teenagers. Obesity at young age may lead to a host of health issues later in life including risk of developing type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular ailments and even stroke. Experts revealed that people with high spikes in BMI between 8 to 20 years of age were more likely to have high blood pressure as adults. The research was published in online journal of Neurology..” (more)
Medical X-Press – Maura Hohman
“Want to help your kids make healthy food choices when you’re not with them? Make every meal at home a lesson in good nutrition. Start by showing them what goes into a healthy meal, ChooseMyPlate.gov from the U.S. Department of Agriculture suggests. Fill half their plate with fruits and veggies, one quarter with grains—preferably whole grains—and a quarter with protein, like lean meat, seafood, beans or tofu. Then let them practice making smart choices by serving themselves. Keep portions small. A spoonful of fruits and veggies, a few bites of meat, and a quarter of a slice of bread is enough for young children. Don’t force them to clear their plate, but if they do, let them ask for seconds. Resist offering more on your own. Teach kids to eat slowly and with focus—not in front of the TV. They’ll eat the right amount for their body and reduce their risk of obesity, a serious health threat.” (more)
The Sioux City Journal – Staff Writer
“Summer sun and warmer temps may provide plenty of play opportunities for kids, but they also mean parents need to be extra vigilant about preventing sunburns and other mishaps. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers this advice:” (more)