Simple Steps To Curb Bad Health Habits

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By Dr. Mario Pary

obeseboyvectorbellyChildhood obesity is verging on an epidemic in the United States. According to the American Heart Association (AMA), one in three children or teens is considered obese or overweight. When compared to numbers from the early 1960s, the rate has nearly tripled. If your child is on the wrong side of these statistics, they could be at risk for some serious health problems – both now and later on in life. High blood pressure, increased levels of cholesterol, and type two diabetes are all heavily correlated with this condition, according to the AMA. Depression, low self-esteem, and a negative body image are not as tangible, but still very serious factors that can arise from being obese.

To avert these potential issues and get back on the right track, there are several things your children can do to move towards a healthier lifestyle. However, this process isn’t just about them. As the parental figure your actions and guidance helped cause this situation. Those same factors can just as easily change the standards and the environment, creating a healthy and sustainable future for your children.

Limit Access to Unhealthy Offerings

Proximity to unhealthy foods plays a big role in the process. If your house is loaded with sweets, fried foods, and other high-calorie offerings, it is unrealistic to assume that your child has the willpower and foresight to police their own eating habits. As the parent, you can negate this issue at its source. When grocery shopping, avoid purchasing these items and place an emphasis on fresh foods and healthy snacks. Doing so can avert bad decision-making and allow your child to develop better eating habits. If you want to have treats for special occasions, that is also fine. Just make sure to keep them separated and designated as such.

Make Exercise Fun

kidsexercisevectorAnother major problem facing children is the fact that exercise isn’t always as fun as playing with toys, video games, or watching TV. Unfortunately, most parents simply concede defeat and allow these sources of entertainment to rule their kid’s free time. If you want to switch up this standard, incorporate fun and healthy activities into a daily routine. Playing sports, like soccer and basketball, with other children, as well as taking trips to the beach or a nature trail, can be a great way to exercise while also keeping your child interested. Evaluate their interests and try to build some outdoor activities around these subjects to keep them excited and engaged.

A Healthy Family

Perhaps the most important change in your child’s health starts with helping yourself. If you are overweight or obese, think of the example you have set. If you are not satisfied with this standard, shifting your priorities and getting healthy by following many of the same concepts listed above can create a shift across the entire family. Eating healthy and exercising together is a great way to stay motivated and active. This process can also promote strengthened bonds and relationships among members of your family, leading to better emotional health as well.

– Dr. Mario Pary is a dentist in Shreveport, LA who focuses on providing patients with the best possible dental care. In his free time, he writes dentistry related articles and publications to educate people on how to maintain a healthier mouth.