|
[back]
|
Obesity
and overweight are growing national health concerns. In fact, more
children than ever before are suffering from obesity, according
to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Overweight
teens are at high risk for developing serious health conditions
such as Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It can be a battle to
get teens to replace their snack food and sodas with nutritional
food choices, as well as get them to walk away from computer games
and TV programs. But, their health now and in the future depends
on a balanced diet and exercise. Here are some tips to help your
teen eat well and exercise:
| 1. |
Provide
nutritional, well-balanced, high-fiber meals that are rich
in whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables. Teens should
consume at least three servings per day of foods rich in calcium,
such as dairy products (low-fat milk, cheese and yogurt),
fortified orange juice and soy milk. |
| 2.
|
Make
it easy. Keep nutritional snacks, like cut-up fruit, pretzels,
cheese sticks, low-fat yogurt and butter-free popcorn, on
hand. |
| 3. |
Nix
the soft drinks. Don't even keep them in the house. |
| 4. |
Challenge
your teen to seek out healthier alternatives to typical fast
food. If they must grab food on the run, suggest choosing
salads, broiled chicken or other lower fat offerings. |
| 5.
|
Put
your teen in charge of some of the family's meals and grocery
shopping so he learns how to buy, prepare and enjoy healthful
and nutritious meals. |
| 6.
|
Be
a role model for healthy eating and fitness. |
| 7. |
Limit
television viewing and don't eat in front of the TV. |
| 8. |
Encourage
regular physical activity. Plan family outings, such as swimming
and hiking. Play sports together. |
| 9. |
Encourage
your teen to try new physical activities. Yoga, biking, rock
climbing, hiking, skiing or snowboarding can help build confidence,
fitness and skills. |
| 10. |
Help
your teen recognize that body images portrayed in the media
are unrealistic and unreachable for most people. |
Sources:
American Medical Association, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention and the U.S. Department of Agriculture
Resources
American
Academy of Pediatrics
141 Northwest Point Boulevard
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007-1098
847-434-4000
www.aap.org
Web site offers free children's health newsletter and general health
information for parents of children from birth to age 21.
HealthierUS.gov
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
www.healthierus.gov
Presents range of health, nutrition and fitness information for
the whole family, plus links to other government-sponsored Web sites.
|
