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National Obesity Awareness Month

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control, childhood obesity is a major public health problem and has the potential to lead to lifelong issues. It occurs when a child’s body mass index (BMI) is at or above the 95th percentile for children and teens of the same age and sex. Children who have obesity are more likely than non-obese children to be obese as adults, face more bullying, have mental health problems, have diabetes and increased risk of certain cancers. The good news is childhood obesity is 100% preventable! 

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Here are some things you can do to decrease your child’s chances of becoming overweight or obese:

  • Participate as a family in a walk/run
  • Incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet
  • Drink more water and less sugary carbonated drinks
  • Ensure that your child is getting an adequate amount of sleep
  • Limit television viewing and video game play
  • Encourage children to participate in activities that are age-appropriate and enjoyable
  • Be a role model and lead by example!!!

For more information, visit:
http://www.cdc.gov/features/childhoodobesity/
http://www.choosemyplate.gov/
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/HealthierKids/ChildhoodObesity/Preventing-Childhood-Obesity-Tips-for-Parents-and-Caretakers_UCM_456118_Article.jsp

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Help Me Grow Alabama

Help Me Grow Alabama is an affiliate of the Help Me Grow National Network and a program of the Alabama Partnership for Children.

 

Help Me Grow Alabama is funded by the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education through the Preschool Development Grant and the Alabama Department of Human Resources.

 

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