The rise in obesity over the past forty years has grown at alarming rates in all age groups. This epidemic has affected over 23 million children and teens, age 2-19 that are obese or overweight. These children are at an early risk for heart disease, high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes. Congress has designated September 2010 as the first Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. This is your opportunity to take the best step forward with your family, your neighborhood and your community to help make a difference in childhood obesity. With one in three children overweight or obese it’s time to take action with our children. The first step is getting the nutrition we need by eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grain, lean protein and low fat dairy every day. Physical activity is the next key step in promoting healthier kids. The goal is sixty minutes of physical activity every day. The following resources will help you and your family take proactive steps towards creating brighter futures for you and your family:
Brevard County Schools Food and Nutrition Services: foodservices.brevard.k12.fl.us/nutritioneducation.html
On this site you will find fruit and vegetable facts, activity sheets, nutrition books and cookbooks for children and teens, as well as additional wellness websites.
My Pyramid: MyPyramid.gov
The pyramid provides tools for portion size, menu planners, games, tip sheets for all ages.Nourish Interactive: nourishinteractive.com
Information is posted on this site by Registered Dietitians and Nurses. The site contains online games for kids, newsletters, lessons and worksheets for parents, health-hint calendars, blogs and much more.
Girls Health: girlshealth.gov
This site is intended for girls age 10-16 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Girls can find smart choices for fast food, healthy weight advise and more health topics.
Fuel up to Play 60: fueluptoplay60.com
Students can sign up and log physical activity and eating habits. They can earn awards for themselves and their school.
Empower Me: empowerme2b.org
This site helps kids and teens motivate each other to be healthier and share success stories.
Let’s Move: letsmove.gov
This the place where you can take the pledge to the Let’s Move campaign and gain tips on nutrition and physical activity.
Kids Health: kidshealth.org
This site has areas for kids and parents with health facts and interactive tools to help you achieve your best.