LIVE WELL FERGUSON
March 2009

A vibrant community is full of active healthy children and adults. Though this is the ideal picture and is attainable the current statistics of childhood obesity is evidence that some readjustments are necessary in our family habits.

Some studies show that approximately 9 million children over the age of 6 are considered obese with the number of preschoolers over weight doubling in the last years. Because 80% of overweight children become heavy adults and 15% of those are likely to be obese, healthy eating and exercise are important from little on. Children learn from modeling and are influenced by those they love and who love them. Children are more willing to eat healthy and be active when parents and other family members are involved with them in activities. Giving children healthy choices for breakfast and lunch begin to set up a life time of making good decisions for their health. Offering eggs, and fruit in the morning supplies protein and vitamins to the body. Whole grain cereals and breads have fiber and nutrients without all the added sugar and refined grains. The brain needs nutrients not calories so the above are a good start for a full day of school and/or work. There is a 30% less risk of obesity for those who eat nutritious breakfasts.

SO NEVER SKIP A GOOD BREAKFAST!

Cardio activities like running, walking, basketball, hiking bicycling etc. are all good activities that can be incorporated into family activities. Though for some obese children these activities may be hard and set them up for failure if they are not able to go great distances or sustain an activity for very long. New scientific evidence says resistance training for youth can be safe, enjoyable and effective. Positive feedback is realized in these types of activities since typically overweight children are stronger then their peers. A more immediate sense of self esteem can be realized with success in resistance training. Of course supervision is always necessary and appropriate activities for each age group adds to the enjoyment. Both cardio and resistance training coupled with a healthy eating plan is a path way to strong, healthy, active children and adults.

Take the Healthy Habits Quiz
(yes=2, sometimes=1,no=0)

Do you and your family...

1. have regular mealtimes at home?
2. plan snacks?
3. eat meals together at least 1 time a day?
4. eat 3 meals a day?
5. tailor portion sizes to each persons needs?
6. have enjoyable meal times?
7. make meals last more then 15 min?
8. avoid making everyone eat everything on their plate?
9. eat only in designated areas of the house?
10. avoid using food to punish or reward?
11. enjoy physical activities together 1 or 2 times a week?

SCORES
20-22 your family is on the right track
13-19 your family is doing well, could work on some areas
12-or lower your family needs to make some more healthy choices

Resources for more information:
www.actionforhealtykids.org
Eat This Not That For Kids by David Zinczenko

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