About one in every three children are found to be overweight or obese. Education and family-care providers can model healthy behaviors, like physical activity and a healthy diet for our youth to help sustain good habits when parents are busy.
To find out more about ways to help model healthy behaviors for youth click here.
September is National Childhood Obesity Month. Over the last 15 years, obesity in Delaware has increased over 80% and this includes adults AND youth. In 2007, 13.3% of youth ages 10-17 were obese. That means almost 28,000 youth are at risk for developing serious diseases and medical conditions associated with obesity.
What’s the good news hear?
Childhood obesity is 100% preventable. Up for the Challenge educates youth of Delaware on how to make healthy food choices and how to properly and adequately exercise everyday. Youth learn important healthy skills in school, but it is also the family’s role to be supportive and to encourage a healthy diet and exercise. Make both food and fitness family activities to reinforce good habits. Bring the family to the grocery store and let them help make good choices that everyone will enjoy, or have the kids help you prepare and cook dinner. Take walks at the park, or bike rides with the whole family to encourage time outdoors and exercise. Organized sports are also a great way for youth to be active and to meet new people!
Try to avoid the encouragement of fast and convenience foods or spending too much time in front of the computer of television. We all have the ability to be healthy!
Delaware 4-H 