The environment in which your child lives could contribute to childhood obesity. Today many streets, towns and suburbs are designed to discourage walking and other physical activities. Only about 1 child out of every 5 in the US will participate in some form of extra-curricular physical activity outside of school.

The slowing down of the US economy and the rise in gas prices is forcing families to cut expenses. One expense that more and more families are cutting back on is their grocery bill. They are purchasing more convenience foods that are high in fat and have very little nutritional value. These foods are usually easy to prepare or require no preparation at all. The economic slowdown is also effecting the cost of produce. This is also effecting American families as they are not able to afford these nutritious foods anymore. Instead they are turning to canned and processed foods.

Some school districts in the United States are facing severe budget cuts. These districts are forced to cut back their physical education programs and after school sports. This is resulting in fewer opportunities for children to participate in physical activities.

Leisure time that was once spent outdoors playing today is replaced with video games, DVDs, and over 100 channels on the television. With a culture that embraces Hannah Montana, and Sesame Street our children are encouraged to watch their favorite television show instead of meeting friends at a local park for a ball game after school.

As a parent and US consumer what can you do to reverse this trend? You can begin by taking a close look at your family’s budget. Being able to afford the healthy and nutritious fruits and vegetables for your children should be a priority. Ask yourself these questions. What expenses can you cut? Do you really need those extra 100 channels on your television? Or would it be more beneficial to your family’s health if you went back to “rabbit ears?” Do you need two vehicles? Could you trade one in for a hybrid or a vehicle with a lower monthly payment? Sit down with your spouse and go over all of your expenses. Whatever you are able to cut should be added to your grocery bill. Including fresh fruits and vegetables in your children’s diet is very important in the prevention of childhood obesity.

Encourage physical activity at home and throughout your neighborhood. Let other families in your neighborhood know that for example, on Fridays after school the kids are going to play baseball at the park. Make sure every kid in the neighborhood is invited. Set some rules in your own home. Tell your children that if they don’t spend at least an hour outside riding their bike, or playing a sport or some other physical activity they can not watch their favorite television show or play their favorite video game.

If your school district is facing budget cuts and the possibility of cutting back on after school sports or their physical education program go to the next school board meeting. Speak up at the meeting and tell them that you oppose the idea of such cut backs. Get signatures from other parents who feel the same way. If you speak up the school board might find a way to keep those programs and cut something else instead.

Other helpful information on web:

1. Weight Loss Supplement
2. Causes of Obesity

Please share your comments below- 

Tags: causes of childhood obesity causes of obesity childhood obesity childhood obesity causes prevention of childhood obesity

Related Posts

Fatal error: Call to undefined function: wp23_related_posts() in /home/healthan/public_html/wp-content/themes/bloggingpro_wr/single.php on line 158