American Heart Association helps families get healthy

January 20, 2011 by

Childhood obesity is a growing problem in more homes today than ever before. Jumping from a small percentage of children in the early 1980’s to our current percentage today (20-30% according to the CDC~children having a BMI of greater than 30), many families are facing new challenges. Deemed the first generation in our history in which children may not live longer than their parents, many families are trying to find ways to help improve diet and exercise as well as preserve and prevent long term health conditions. Resources to help parents find ways to be healthier as a family can be a challenge to find.

The American Heart Association has been a leader in heart healthy education programs and help in screening and educating American’s about heart disease and prevention of heart disease many years. Their website offers a great source of valuable information for parents who need to know more about childhood obesity.

One  article I recommend  is “Understanding Obesity”. In this helpful article, the facts are clear and concise about what childhood obesity is and how to prevent it. The article identifies how many calories a child should consume and the long term health effects of childhood obesity. Three startling statistics from the sourcebook are:

  • About one in three children and teens in the U.S. is overweight or obese.
  • Overweight kids have a 70–80 percent chance of staying overweight their entire lives.
  • Obese and overweight adults now outnumber those at a healthy weight; nearly seven in 10 U.S. adults are overweight or obese.

Parents need to know what they can do to help their children. Despite a number of agencies joining the effort to help families be healthier they cannot help ever child individually. Budget cut backs in schools make healthier programs vulnerable and school lunchrooms still have a long way to go. This site can assist those parents who aren’t sure where to begin and provide them with information for making better choices for their families.

The American Heart Associations website offers factual information based on current research being conducted by hospitals and universities. In addition, this site can assist you and your family to be healthier with their simple and easy ideas to create a healthier lifestyle. Some of the areas you can learn more are: Physical activity around the house, healthy post play snacks and one topic most parents can relate to, how to deal with a picky eater.

As a parent, raising healthy children in a world with so many unhealthy choices can be a hurdle. Finding information for help many parents may need to change that has just gotten easier. This site can provide the additional support many families will benefit from and is worth the time to dive into. You can find the site at http://www.heart.org

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Filed Under: Child/Teen Health, Healthy Mommy & Baby
About Jolene Puffer

With 20 years in the wellness world Jolene Puffer continues to be passionate about helping change lives. Jolene has transformed her life through fitness starting as a fitness instructor, becoming a certified personal trainer and now working more specifically with families. For the past three years, Jolene has been working with the school systems to help teach our children to be healthier and creating ways to take that message home. She is currently heading up a summer camp for teens fighting obesity in Asheville, NC as well as growing her telephone fitness training program. Personally, Jolene is currently training and competing in Figure competitions, but finds her role as mother of two and wife to a wonderful husband very rewarding.