Pediatric Wellness and Obesity Prevention

Take Control of Your Child’s Health

Tips for Obesity Prevention and Pediatric Wellness

According to the American Heart Association, approximately one in three American children is overweight. These same children are suffering from a range of health problems that typically don’t present themselves until adulthood, including type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure and cholesterol. The Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, GA report that more than one third of children and adolescents are obese or overweight. Worse still, childhood obesity rates are up by 18% between the ages of 6-11, and 21% for adolescents between the ages of 12-19. 

Childhood obesity immediately affects the health and wellness of children and adolescents, and can result in the following conditions:

• increased cardiovascular disease risk factors
• prediabetes
• sleep apnea
• joint and bone issues
• social issues and poor self-esteem
• psychological issues like stigmatization and stereotyping

Childhood obesity may also lead to long-term health conditions, which often include: type 2 diabetes, heart disease, various cancers, osteoarthritis, and stroke.

Tips for Obesity Prevention and Pediatric Wellness

According to the American Heart Association, approximately one in three American children is overweight. These same children are suffering from a range of health problems that typically don’t present themselves until adulthood, including type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure and cholesterol.

As a parent, you can help your child maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. Whether your child struggles with obesity or is currently at a healthy weight, there are a number of proactive measures you can take to keep him or her on the road to good health, including:

• Schedule regular wellness check-ups. Prevention is the best weapon in the fight against childhood obesity. Take your child to a Calhoun pediatrician for a wellness check-up at least once a year; during this appointment, your child’s doctor will measure your child’s growth and development, including his or her Body Mass Index (BMI).
• Set a healthy example. In most situations, children look to their parents for guidance. If you indulge in unhealthy foods and avoid regular exercise, your child is likely to follow your example. Make health and wellness a goal for the whole family, not just your child.
• Focus on your child’s health, not a number on the scale. Help your child understand that regular exercise and healthy eating isn’t just about losing weight—it’s about maintaining strong bones, boosting self-esteem, reducing anxiety, and lowering blood pressure.
• Keep calorie-rich treats out of the picture. Avoid tempting treats that are high in fat or sugar, and make sure that you stock the fridge with low-calorie, vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables.
• Limit sedentary activities. Your child already sits in a desk for a large part of the day; make sure that time at home includes no more than two hours of “screen time,” which includes television, video games, and computer-related activities. Instead, encourage your child to take part in physical activities such as team sports, dancing, or swimming.
• Make “comfort food” healthier. Some of your child’s favorite dishes can be made healthier with a few simple substitutions. For instance, if a recipe calls for fat-laden sour cream, opt for low-fat cottage cheese or yogurt instead.