National Childhood Obesity Month is upon us and various city partners have developed strategies to help children better understand the importance of exercise, being active, and educating parents and teachers on reducing the number of children who are overweight.
It is an important issue because one in three children in the United States is overweight or obese. Childhood obesity puts kids at risk for health problems that were once seen only in adults, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
“Children and adolescents should do at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day in order to manage their weight management and to ensure proper physical and mental development,” said Lisa Glidden, Nutrition Service Manager
The Department of Public Health, the Parks and Recreation Department, and the El Paso Zoo offer a variety of initiatives to assist in becoming more physically active and learn about good nutrition and healthy eating. Taking small steps as a family can help our children stay at a healthy weight.
Some of our ways to assist:
City of El Department of Public Health Activities and Resources – www.ephealth.org:
• Move! El Paso Trails in neighborhoods throughout El Paso. www.moveelpaso.org
• Nutrition services– the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program. To locate the Department of Public Health’s WIC Center nearest you call 2-1-1 (press Option 1)
• Wild About Health Program– Visit the El Paso Zoo, walk around it and learn about the program
• Take the Eat Well El Paso free online Nutrition Course at: http://chs.utep.edu/publichealthsciences/noc/
• Cooking Healthy Online Cookbook at: wwwEPHealth.org
Parks and Recreation Activities and Resources – www.elpasotexas.gov/parks
Other tips:
Get active outside — walk around your neighborhood, go on a bike ride, or play basketball at the park.
Limit TV and screen time — keep inactive (sitting down) screen time limited to 2 hours or less a day.
Make healthy meals — buy and serve more vegetables, fruits, and whole-grain foods.
Set a good example – Develop Healthy Habits – http://www.choosemyplate.gov/preschoolers/healthy-habits/set-a-good-example.html
Learn about Carbohydrates for Kids: http://kidshealth.org/kid/nutrition/food/carb.html
Learn about Hunger and Malnutrition: http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/feeding/hunger.html
The mission of the El Paso Department of Public Health is to work in partnership with people in our community to promote and protect the health of the borderland. For more information on the programs and services offered by the Department of Public Health, visit EPHealth.com or call 2-1-1.
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