10 Ways To Get Your Kids Healthier

By Julia Griggs Havey
eDiets Master Motivator

August 11, 2005

We are really in quite a mess in our nation, aren't we? One of the most talked-about aspects of the obesity issue is how it affects our children. The rates of children who are obese is now at epidemic proportions.

We do not need more studies to tell us why, how or when we got fat. We are fat, our kids are fat; we know it and it is time to do something about it!"

Should government require physical education in schools again? Should we ensure that every child gets an hour of exercise a day? Do you think in today's society that is more important than learning, say, geometry (I have NEVER used anything I learned in that class!)? Or should we make it a volunteer, after-school session?

What about nutrition ? Should schools be forced to provide healthier lunches and allow no one seconds? Or prohibit soda machines in schools? Should we ban the sale of soft drinks in schools? What do you think about that?

What about education on breast feeding? Many government-types think we need to spend money promoting that issue. Do you think that an increase in breast feeding would have any impact on obesity?

What about putting restrictions on those using food stamps so they can't be used to buy sugary cereal, cakes, pies and sodas, but rather whole grains, legumes, fruits, veggies and protein sources?

Can we... should we... go down the road of legislating healthy actions?

Before you answer, think about the issue of smoking. We can't smoke in public buildings anymore. Well, why then should we be allowed to eat Twinkies there either? After all, obesity is killing more people than smoking! The government has mandated education for (and prevention of) smoking for the past 20 years, and that has brought about its decline. So, is it time to legislate weight?

OK, a bit extreme, but really... what CAN and SHOULD we do to end this epidemic? For now, employ these top 10 tips to help your kids have a healthy summer and be more fit when school starts!

1. Wake them up and start the day with fresh fruit, whole grains and some protein.

2. Make sure they get a good night's sleep--just because it is summer doesn't mean no bedtime!

3. Activity! Make sure each day has some swimming, bike riding, ball playing, etc. ---

4. Have fresh fruits readily available for snacking. The best thing about summer is the fruit that is in season and

less expensive.

5. NO TV watching during the daytime! Get outside and play!

6. Get a puppy and take it for a walk every day. Or walk the chubby dog you have (OK, I am referring to my portly pooch)!

7. Take a walk as a family every night after dinner.

8. Take a vacation that revolves around healthful activities like hiking.

9. Nothing fried, not even ONE French fry! (Just because the FDA now calls them fresh vegetables, doesn't mean they are healthy!)

10. Tell them YOU love them, and they are special regardless of their weight and always will be! Your support of them will last a lifetime!