Raising awareness in the community is important for both the parents and children of the area. Parents need to be more aware of what they need to look for in signs that their children could be overweight or obese. With awareness, it also helps parents think about better ways to encourage their children to live healthier lifestyles. Not only can this affect the children, but it can also change the parents lifestyles as well. By implementing healthier living options in communities, it encourages the surroundings to have a better living experience.
There is always some way that we could better our lives:
Parents can learn how to cook better for their families, how to encourage physically active lives for their families, and improve their own lifestyles.
A good idea is to keep children from spending too much time sitting and getting them to use their brains and bodies to live a more active life.
Involving kids in cooking makes it more enjoyable for them, and makes them want to eat it as well!
Another way to encourage children and parents to live a healthier lifestyle is to teach them to do things together:
If you have a friend who has obese children, be mindful that they might already be taking precautions toward their child's weight. Instead of immediately assuming that they are unaware of their child being overweight or obese, ask them questions about what they do with their family. If it is clear that they are truly unaware of their child's health, point them to things that can help them better understand that their child may be obese. Some people may not even understand the true effects of obesity and what it can do. Lead them to doctors, psychologists, websites, or books that can explain more about the risks that come from obesity and how it is important to catch it early.
Some links to healthier living websites:
http://www.healthychildren.org
http://www.fitnessmagazine.com
There is always some way that we could better our lives:
Parents can learn how to cook better for their families, how to encourage physically active lives for their families, and improve their own lifestyles.
A good idea is to keep children from spending too much time sitting and getting them to use their brains and bodies to live a more active life.
Involving kids in cooking makes it more enjoyable for them, and makes them want to eat it as well!
Another way to encourage children and parents to live a healthier lifestyle is to teach them to do things together:
- Going to cooking classes
- Going on walks
- Working out as a family
- Playing Wii Fit together
- Playing games as a family (could be card games, physically active games, or anything to make the family work together)
- Joining a fitness club
- Parents going to sports games for children
If you have a friend who has obese children, be mindful that they might already be taking precautions toward their child's weight. Instead of immediately assuming that they are unaware of their child being overweight or obese, ask them questions about what they do with their family. If it is clear that they are truly unaware of their child's health, point them to things that can help them better understand that their child may be obese. Some people may not even understand the true effects of obesity and what it can do. Lead them to doctors, psychologists, websites, or books that can explain more about the risks that come from obesity and how it is important to catch it early.
Some links to healthier living websites:
http://www.healthychildren.org
http://www.fitnessmagazine.com