Getting Kids on the Move to Better Health

The statistics are alarming. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the percentage of children and teenagers in the United States classified obese has more than tripled since the 1970s. While there are signs that rates have slowed, childhood obesity remains an epidemic with more than 12 million children in the U.S. considered obese.

What’s driving the trend? For many, it’s a simple matter of eating too much and moving too little, with kids preferring technology and screen time to outdoor play.

Just like with adults, overweight children can be setting themselves up for an increased risk of chronic health conditions.

Dr. Kurt Bloomstrand is an emergency medicine physician with OSF HealthCare. He recommends meeting children and teenagers where they are to get them active – with technology. Dr. Bloomstrand says that was one of the advantages of the Pokemon Go phenomenon that started a few years ago.

Dr. Bloomstrand also recommends making health and fitness a family affair. Have your children join you on walks or working around the yard, even the youngest ones can pick up sticks.

Learn more about making family fitness fun here.