September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, and as children and families start their new school year routines, it's a perfect time to reflect on and refresh your family's healthy habits.
Many families, though, may not have easy access to opportunities to learn about and practice healthy behaviors. That's why the YMCA of Greater Nashua, a leading community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health, is stepping up to help families through nutrition education and increased physical activity.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of obesity affects about 14.7 million, or one in five U.S. children and adolescents. Obesity can increase risk for health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and some cancers. Here in New Hampshire, about 27% of all children are considered overweight or obese, according to the NH Department of Health and Human Services.
"Experts now have a heightened understanding of the necessity to provide families with assistance in altering their eating and physical activity patterns," said Eirikur Holt, Director of Healthy Living at the YMCA of Greater Nashua. "At the Y, we're delighted to collaborate with families, extending support as they strive to incorporate changes to help children grow up at a healthy weight."
The Y also promotes open communication between families and their health care providers regarding their children's health. "A child's healthy weight cannot be determined based off of appearance," said Holt. "Working with health care professionals guarantees that families receive accurate guidance and support."
One of the YMCA of Greater Nashua's most impactful efforts is Prescribe the Y, a referral-based program where health care providers prescribe participation at the Y to help families address childhood obesity. Through this program, children and families are connected to fun, engaging activities and wellness resources that promote healthy living. In addition, the Y offers a variety of youth sports, swim lessons, and family fitness programs designed to encourage kids and families to move more, eat better, and create lasting habits.
The YMCA of Greater Nashua offers the following tips for families looking to incorporate healthier eating habits and increased physical activity into daily routines:
* Eat and drink healthy: Make water the drink of choice and encourage everyone to fill half their plates with fruits and vegetables by offering two or three servings at every meal. Try new fruits and vegetables as a family each week.
* Play every day/go outside: Children should have at least an hour a day of unstructured play outside and break a sweat at least three times a week with vigorous activity. Join your kids in active play to keep everyone moving.
* Get together: Share meals as a family whenever possible. Involve kids in meal planning, preparation, and cleanup. Create opportunities for screen-free connection.
* Reduce recreational screen time: Limit non-educational screen time to two hours or less per day. Consider family walks after dinner or charging devices outside bedrooms overnight.
* Sleep well: Kids need 10-12 hours of sleep per night, while adults should aim for 7-8 hours. Build relaxing evening routines like reading or listening to music to prepare for rest.
To learn more about the YMCA of Greater Nashua's Prescribe the Y and other Healthy Living programs, please contact our Healthy Living team at [email protected] or visit https://nmymca.org/healthyliving.