Lead the Way to Better Health

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, poor diet and physical inactivity are among the leading causes of preventable death in the United States.  Healthy lifestyles - staying active and eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help reverse the trend of American children and teens with diet related diseases that usually occur in adulthood.  These diseases are obesity, type II diabetes and pre-hypertension. 

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) recommends that all Americans eat 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables a day for better health as part of an active lifestyle.  Also, people need 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity 5 or more days a week. 

Parents need to lead by example.  They are the most influential role model in a child's life.  Obesity rates have doubled in children and tripled in adolescents over the last two decades with one in seven young people now obese and one in three now overweight.

Lifestyle habits begin at home at a very early age.  If parents lead healthier lifestyles, their children are more likely to do the same.  Studies show that parents who encourage their children to eat fruits and vegetables actually eat more fruits and vegetables themselves (4.1 vs. 2.7).

What steps can you take as a parent to encourage your children to a healthier lifestyle?

  • Keep a variety of fruits and vegetables available.  Try to choose items that are easy to grab and within reach in the refrigerator.  Serve fruits and vegetables at each snack and two vegetables at dinner.  Try new fruits and vegetables.
  • Try to sit down at a meal at least once a day with your children.  Research shows that children are less likely to eat healthy food when they eat on their own
  • Include your children in choosing fruits and vegetables.  This could be as easy as making the grocery list together and or coming to the store with you.  They can also make salads when they are old enough.
  • Be physically active and eating healthy go hand in hand.  Children should get 60 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity 5 days a week.  Encourage children to participate in activities that get them moving such as sports, dance, swimming or other outdoor activity.  It is always a good idea to make a physical activity time for the family.