A pressing concern like a global pandemic can quickly overshadow other
important health challenges facing families. One is the issue of childhood
obesity, a problem the slower pace of life brought on by COVID-19 could
exacerbate.
Numerous
cardiovascular and mental health risks are associated with childhood obesity,
and many experts expect to see increases in both mental health challenges and
obesity as a result of COVID-19.
According
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood obesity impacts
40% of children between the ages of 2-5, increasing their risk for type 2 diabetes,
asthma and depression.
Data
from a study published in the “Early Childhood Education Journal” from the American
Heart Association shows children diagnosed as overweight between 7-13 years old
may develop heart disease as early as age 25. However, preventative steps taken
in early childhood can help reduce this risk.
Keeping
young children healthy while at home during the pandemic requires extra
attention to their nutrition, physical activity and screen time. Programs like the American Heart Association’s Healthy
Way to Grow, a national, science-based, early childhood technical assistance
program, provide educational resources to
help communities, educators and caregivers improve practices and policies for
obesity prevention.
These
tips from the program can help early childhood professionals and caregivers promote best
practices into the daily lives of children.
Nutrition
Less than 1% of children have ideal diets, and under
10% have reasonably healthy diets, according to the American Heart Association.
On any given
day, 27% of 2- and 3-year-olds don’t eat a vegetable; among those who do, fried
potatoes, which are high in fat and lower in nutrients, are most common. In
fact, data shows kids eat less nutritious foods up to age 19.
Children
should consume a variety of foods daily, including vegetables, fruits, nuts,
whole grains, low-fat or fat-free dairies, lean vegetable or animal protein and
fish. At the same time, kids should minimize trans fats, processed meats, refined carbohydrates and
sweetened beverages.
Consistently
timed meals and pairing new foods with choices they already enjoy are two ways
to help form healthier habits. Be aware that healthy choices should apply throughout
the day, not only for meals but also snacks and beverages. Eating together as a
family provides an opportunity to model healthy eating and encourage children
to try new foods. Also make water available and accessible to children
throughout the day.
For
infants, feeding provides nutrition for their physical and mental growth. Healthy
babies usually double their birth weight between 4-5 months of age. Infants and
children with congenital heart disease and congestive heart failure or cyanosis
(blueness) tend to gain weight slower. An 8-ounce-1-pound gain in a month may
be an acceptable weight gain for a baby with a heart defect.
Only
about 20% of kids perform enough activity to meet physical activity
recommendations. Whether you’re working with children in a childcare setting or
at home, look for ways to incorporate lesson plans that offer learning
experiences about healthy eating and physical activity, and ensure the daily
schedule includes ample active playtime.
The
Healthy Way to Grow program recommends all children, including infants, have at
least two outdoor active playtimes daily, weather and air quality permitting. Toddlers
should engage in 60-90 minutes while 120 minutes of daily active play is
recommended for preschoolers. Half the time should be structured and led by a
teacher or caregiver while the remaining playtime should be unstructured and up
to the child.
Learn
more about protecting the health and wellness of children in your home and community
at healthywaytogrow.org.
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