Keep Kids Healthy

			
			
			

			     
     Katina  
 
   
"I want my baby to grow up big and strong. That’s why I make sure he eats healthy foods and gets quality playtime everyday."
   -Katina
 
  

			

			

				
				
Get the Whole Family on Board for Health
When it comes to improving kids’ health and their eating and exercise habits, it’s extremely important to start early and get the whole family involved.
Here are some facts about kids and health and some simple things that you can do to help bring a lifetime of health to the younger members of your family.
Kids and Health – What’s the big deal?
We often think of kids as some of the healthiest people around. They are young and active and too young to have to worry about their health…right?

Wrong! It is never too early to start thinking about health. The habits kids form today have a big impact on their heath years from now.
Right now, America’s children need a helping hand with their health – especially when it comes to being physically fit. In 2004, about nine million (or roughly one in six kids aged 6-19) were overweight. According to the Centers for Disease Control that’s more than triple the number of overweight children in 1980!  
The rate of childhood obesity is growing dramatically. And many children spend their free time watching television and playing video games instead of doing something physically active like riding a bike or playing sports. As a result, chronic conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, are showing up more frequently and at earlier ages. According to the American Diabetes Association:
  • One in three children born in the U.S. in 2000 will develop diabetes over the course of their lifetime. 
  • Today’s kids may actually have a lower average life expectancy than their parents have because of the increase in diabetes cases among people in their age group. 
How can we keep kids healthy?
The good news is that you can do a lot to help. On the next pages you will find some things you may want to focus on to help your children have a healthier and more active life today – and tomorrow. 
It’s important to talk to your kids about health and address their questions and concerns. Learn more >> 
Being a healthy role model for your kids is a great way to encourage healthy lifestyle habits. Learn more >>