Childhood obesity has more than tripled in children and adolescents over the past 30 years. Over 30% of children are overweight which poses  greater risks for diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and some cancers. The J. Smith Young YMCA wants families to know the dangers of childhood obesity and ways to reverse course through increased physical activity and improved eating habits. Here are five important actions:
• Eat Healthy: Make water the drink of choice (supplemented by age appropriate
portions of 100 percent fruit juices and low-fat milk) and make it easy for everyone to fill half their plates with fruits and vegetables by offering two or three colorful options. Feel free to mix and match fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables to provide variety.
• Play Every Day/Go Outside: Kids should have at least an hour a day of unstructured play outside (when possible) and break a sweat at least three times a week by getting 20 minutes or more of vigorous physical activity.
• Get Together: Eat as a family as frequently as possible with kids involved in meal preparation and clean up. In addition, adults should take a break from electronics and spend one-on-one time each day with their kids, enjoying one another’s company.
• Reduce Screen Time: Time spent in front of a television, computer, tablet, cell phone or video games should be limited to two hours per day.
• Sleep Well: Kids and adults need to keep a regular sleep schedule ten to twelve hours per night for kids and seven to eight hours for adults.

Please contact Jen Fuller-Allen at [email protected] or 249-2177 for more information about programs that can benefit your family.

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