August 21, 2003

 

Parents are the Key to Children’s Activity and Health

Parents play a key in helping children who are overweight or at risk of being overweight get enough physical activity, according to a North Dakota State University food and nutrition specialist.

"National data indicates that 30 percent of youth in the United States ages 6 to 19 are either overweight or at risk of becoming overweight," says Jane Edwards, of the North Dakota State University Extension Service. "The number of overweight children has tripled in the past 30 years. Overweight children often become overweight adults, and that carries certain health risks."

"Immediate health issues include increased cardiovascular risk factors such as elevated blood pressure, elevated blood cholesterol and abnormal handling of blood glucose," Edwards says. "More overweight children are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, which until recently was referred to as ‘adult onset diabetes’ because of its rarity among children."

North Dakota is seeing weight-related issues among its children as well. "About 40 percent of North Dakota high school students report not getting a sufficient amount of vigorous physical activity," Edwards says. "Sufficient vigorous activity is defined as sweating and breathing hard for 20 minutes or more at least three of the seven days preceding the survey. About 74 percent report not getting sufficient moderate activity, defined as activity not resulting in sweating or breathing hard, for 30 or more minutes a day for five out of seven days."

What can parents do to increase the physical activity of youth? "One important way would be to limit television viewing or ‘screen time’," Edwards says. "Studies indicate that children who spend more screen time have a higher body mass index, an indicator of body fat. The American Academy of pediatrics suggests that parents limit viewing time for youth to two hours or less per day. Have your children keep a log of screen time, and make decisions together about that screen time as well as alternative activities they can engage in."

Providing activity alternatives is an important part in changing behavior. "Have a list of activities for your children," Edwards says. "Provide opportunities for them to become involved in creative play and craft activities. These pursuits help youth develop skills such as interpersonal communication, time management and life skills such as cooking or gardening."

Perhaps most important of all is to provide children with a model they can follow. "Parents need to be physically active themselves," Edwards says. "This teaches children the importance of physical activity for well-being, health and energy. Children learn by example. Being active involves not only team sports but also learning physical skills such as walking, biking, running, swimming, hiking and can even include household chores. These activities can be used throughout life, and doing them together can help families build a cohesive unit."

Increasing the amount of physical activity in schools is also important. According to the survey, Even students enrolled in a high school physical activity class may not be getting enough exercise, according to Edwards. "Parents can take a more active role in advocating after-school and community activities and recreational facilities," Edwards says. "Not only can parents be advocates for their children regarding their communities and schools, but they can offer to volunteer to assist and supervise."

Parents also need to pay close attention to diet. "Well-balanced meals and snacks are critical to keeping a healthy weight," Edwards says. "Limiting processed foods is recommended, and eating whole foods such as fruit and vegetables with meals or as snacks is recommended. Milk with meals and water between meals also can have a large impact."

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Source: Jane Edwards, (701)231-7478, jedwards@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Tom Jirik, (701)231-9629, tjirik@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Writer: Scott Lowell, (701)231-7882, slowell@ndsuext.nodak.edu