“Healthy Living – A Family Approach” A major health challenge for the 21 st century

Healthy Living Definitions Overweight Weighing more than recommended in relation to height and build Obesity Excessively high amount of fat in relation to height and build (associated with serious health consequences)

Healthy Living Body Mass Index (BMI) Measures the relative percentages of fat and muscle Online calculator: to 24.9 = normal weight 25 to 29.9 = overweight 30 or higher = obese

Healthy Living How bad is the situation? Childhood obesity in the United States = epidemic 30 percent of children ages 6-11 are overweight 15 percent are obese

Healthy Living If the trend continues… If trend continues, many children will have serious health consequences.

Healthy Living The causes Lifestyle choices High-calorie diets Little or no exercise

Healthy Living How obesity affects children Health problems Social struggles Academic troubles

Healthy Living What we’re doing to fight obesity BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee WalkingWorks SM program Program sponsorships Information in newsletters, Web sites, etc. BluePerks discounts for fitness centers And much more

Healthy Living What can parents do? Focus on healthy eating and physical activity.

Healthy Living Be positive role models Explain why things need to change Ask the entire family to make new habits – not just the overweight child Avoid negative goals Focus on healthy living (healthy food and exercise)

Healthy Living Take small steps Make subtle and incremental changes Each month substitute one unhealthy food for a healthy alternative Example: Instead of chips, buy fruit cups.

Healthy Living Don’t be too restrictive Allow some sweets and fast foods Don’t put a child on a diet unless recommended by a doctor Too few calories can interfere with growth

Healthy Living Get active! Get the entire family involved Create lasting healthy habits for everyone Exercise DOES NOT equal hard work

Healthy Living Watch what your kids drink too Average soda = 10 teaspoons of sugar Diet soda = no nutrients Juices = more sugar, calories

Healthy Living Reinvigorate your family meals Introduce healthy foods Limit “fast food” to one meal per week

Healthy Living Limit video, TV and computer time Clear link between watching TV and weight problems TV in a child’s room = bad idea Limit TV time to no more than 1 to 2 hours per day

Healthy Living Remember, children take their cues from their parents. So set a good example for them to follow.

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