Healthy Kids First: What Does it Take to Change...Step 5
By Mandy Curry on October 06, 2012 from Healthy Kids First
We have spent the last month talking about what it takes to reverse the trends in childhood obesity. The first four steps are actually the easiest. It’s the last step that will take the most work.
The last step is Take Ownership, Make a Change!
Here’s the thing. If my children are going to be healthy, then it has to start with me. I buy their food, I buy their drinks, and I am responsible 
for their physical exercise each day. I set the example for what a healthy lifestyle looks like. I can sit on the couch, eat a dinner full of processed food, snack on cookies in the evening, and watch TV all night. Or, I can take my kids outside to play in the evening, talk with them about why I exercise, serve them a healthy dinner, and talk to them about the benefits of a diet full of fruits and vegetables.
for their physical exercise each day. I set the example for what a healthy lifestyle looks like. I can sit on the couch, eat a dinner full of processed food, snack on cookies in the evening, and watch TV all night. Or, I can take my kids outside to play in the evening, talk with them about why I exercise, serve them a healthy dinner, and talk to them about the benefits of a diet full of fruits and vegetables.
We have great folks in WV working to inspire change.
Schools are working to serve healthier lunches. WV became the first state in the nation to approve standards consistent with recommendations by the Institute of Medicine. The School Nutrition Standardsencompass a wide range of requirements: meals must include fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, low-fat milk and plenty of water and lunches should contain one-third of the Recommended Daily Allowance for key nutrients.
Change the Future WVis working with grocery stores on the favorable placement of healthy items. Healthy checkout aisles were a byproduct of this and the initiative is gaining great momentum. Various stores such as Foodland, Wal-Mart, and convenience stores across WV have jumped on board. Doubt that this works? I can assure you it does. I had my first healthy aisle experience at Wal-Mart and it was amazing! My son begged for an APPLE. Incredible!
The WV Food and Farm Coalitionis working to expand the presence of Farmer’s Markets across the State. The Bridgeport Farmer’s Market is a great example of this successful initiative. Local food markets like the Wild Ramp in Huntington, WV are creating a place for Farmers to sell products year round such as local meats, dairy, eggs, and seasonal produce.
Knowing that physical activity is just as crucial as healthy eating, the WV Physical Activity Plan (WV PA Plan) was created. Modeled after the National Physical Activity Plan, the WV PA Plan is to provide a strategic direction for physical activity promotion within the state. It is expected that the Plan’s implementation will increase the physical activity levels of children and adults to meet or exceed the national physical activity recommendations and to therefore improve the health and quality of life of West Virginians. As a member of this group, I can attest to the passion, knowledge, and difference this group can make.
This is just a small taste of what organizations all across WV are doing to transition our state toward a healthy lifestyle. The problem is, they can build all of the walking trails in the world but if I don’t take my child to them, then it’s of no value. The schools can serve healthy lunches every day, but if I don’t teach my child about the benefits of eating healthy, then that food is wasted.
To turn the tide on this health crisis, it will take a multi-prong approach.
- Yes, we need to change policies, systems and environments to make healthy eating an easy choice.
- Yes, we need to continue to expand healthy options in schools and daycares.
- Yes, we need to create an environment where trails, parks, sidewalks, and playgrounds are within easy access.
But to really turn this ship around, families have to get involved. Thirty-six percent of youths in West Virginia are overweight or obese. We can’t turn our head to this problem anymore.
Step 1: Could your family exercise just a little more each week?
Step 2: Could you eat out a little less or drink a little less soda?
Step 3: Could your family eat more fruits and vegetables?
Step 4: Could you eat a healthier breakfast?
Step 5: Are you willing to take ownership and make a change?
As we wrap up this series, these are just a few questions that can help you determine if you need to make a change. Even the smallest change can go a long way. Our bodies are ready for it. Just need to convince our minds. Good luck in your journey!
Stay tuned for some incredible tools to help you and your family this month. October kicks off a new series on healthy products to buy at the grocery store. October also marks the launch of my upcoming e-book, “The Step-by-Step Guide to Overcoming Picky Eaters.” Connect-Bridgeport viewers get it for free. Love it!
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