WFAA – Charanya Sundar, MS, RDN, LD
Parents play a huge part in shaping children’s eating and exercise habits. When parents eat foods that are high in nutrients, children learn to like these foods as well. That’s why it is important to be a good role model by choosing nutritious foods, eat at the table, don’t skip meals and exercise regularly. (more)
Philly.com – Kimberly Garrison
For decades, there has been much hand-wringing and consternation about the health of American children and the seemingly irreversible epidemic of childhood obesity. But we continue to get an F in children’s general fitness, according to national data. Study after study has confirmed that childhood obesity has serious health consequences for our children. Every excess pound could put a child’s health at risk for serious conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, joint problems, reproductive problems, and physiological and social problems. (more)
The Chronicle Herald – Staff Writer
Did you know that children who never consume sugary drinks could potentially rank higher in reading comprehension than their peers? Did you also know that exercise stimulates memory and that adequate sleep improves concentration? Over time, various studies have shown that healthy lifestyle habits — like eating well, exercising daily for 30 minutes and sleeping eight to 12 hours per night — contribute to greater academic success. As a parent, you could ensure your child thrives in school by helping them adopt the following habits: (more)
Medical X-Press – Zen Vuong
About 17 percent of children in the United States are obese, according to federal health statistics. That’s a sobering statistic for parents to ponder as September marks National Childhood Obesity Month. “One in five children in the U.S. enter school overweight or obese. Many kindergarteners with normal weight end up gaining too much weight during elementary school,” said Ashlesha Datar, a senior economist and director of the Program for Children and Families at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. (more)
The U.S. News and World Report – Michael O. Schroeder
Ever witness a child struggle with school studies after a short night of sleep, get sick to their stomach from shoveling back Halloween candy or act lethargic after spending too much time parked on the couch? The immediate, short-term effects of not respecting the three pillars of health – a good night’s sleep, proper diet and ample physical activity – can be obvious. (more)