Childhood obesity is a family affair

September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, and while the dangers of childhood obesity are well chronicled, many families need support changing their families’ habits with the goal of overweight and obese children obtaining and maintaining a healthy weight.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of obesity has remained stable at about 17 percent and affects about 12.7 million children and adolescents.

Obesity affects one in six children, and one in three are overweight, which poses greater risks for many health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and some cancers.

In Ohio 13.1 percent of children age 2-4 and 33.1 percent of children age 10-17 are considered overweight or obese, according to www.stateofobesity.org.

The Tuscarawas County YMCA is helping families improve their health and potentially reduce the impact of childhood obesity through active play and learning in programs such as youth sports, swim lessons and gymnastics fundamentals.

“For years parents have heard the dangers of childhood obesity, but making the necessary lifestyle changes as a family remains the biggest barrier to real progress,” said Kathleen Johnson, membership and program director at Tuscarawas County YMCA. “Together we can learn healthy behaviors, and community-based organizations like the Y can provide a helping hand. It’s important to find activities that you and your child are interested in so that you can build a foundation for staying active. Skills like swimming can be a lifelong fitness element.”

While outside support is key, developing healthy habits begins at home. The following tips are some great ways to incorporate healthier eating habits and more physical activity into one’s daily family routine:

Eat and drink healthy: Make water the drink of choice and encourage everyone to fill half their plates with fruits and vegetables by offering two or three colorful options at every meal. As a family choose a new fruit and veggie every week to taste together. Place a full pitcher of water on the table during meals and allow children to pour their own water. Keep full water bottles available in the car and back packs.

Play every day/go outside: Children should have at least an hour a day of unstructured play outside (when possible) and break a sweat at least three times a week by getting 20 minutes or more of vigorous physical activity. Join your children in games that get your hearts pumping and bodies moving.

Get together: Eat as a family as frequently as possible. Involve kids in meal planning, preparation and clean-up. In addition adults should take a break from electronics and spend one-to-one time each day with their kids, enjoying one another’s company.

Reduce recreational screen time: Time spent in front of a television, computer, tablet, cell phone or video games should be limited to two hours or less per day. Make a family plan to reduce screen time at home such as turning off screens during meals, charging electronics/screens in the kitchen overnight, going for a walk after a meal and setting a timer to remind you to power down the screen.

Sleep well: Kids and adults need to keep a regular sleep schedule. Unwind together in the evenings by reading a book or listening to soft music to ensure the body is preparing for sleep. Kids are growing and need 10-12 hours of healthy sleep per night and seven to eight hours for adults.

To learn more about the Y and programs that help families stay active, visit www.ymca.net or www.tuscymca.org. Tuscarawas County YMCA is located at 600 Monroe St. in Dover. Call 330-364-5511.