Parents Can Set the Example Through Healthy Living
Children live what they learn by example. That’s why Dr. Saquib Lakhani, a physician at Shady Grove’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, advises parents to take an active role in their children’s lifestyle choices.
“We can’t live an unhealthy lifestyle, then expect our children to do the opposite. We can’t just say, ‘No TV!’ while we’re on the couch watching TV ourselves. The key is not only to restrict the harmful, but to provide good, healthy alternatives,” he explains.
More television time can add to child obesity.
| Linking Television to Obesity |
|
 A study in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine (April 2006) established a link between watching television and childhood obesity. Children in the study ate an extra 167 calories for every hour of television watched.
Based on the results from over 40 scientific studies, the National Association for Sport and Physical Education recommends that children engage in a minimum of 30 minutes of daily physical activity to instill a lifelong habit of personal fitness.
|
“Television promotes obesity in children in a combination of ways,” says Dr. Lakhani. “Children who spend more time watching TV spend less time in physical activity. And the commercials steer them towards high-calorie, low-nutritive-value foods.” Unhealthy diets combined with lack of exercise results in observable links between obesity and preventable disease such as Type II diabetes.
Dr. Lakhani believes parents must teach their children healthy living practices. “It’s important to take the time from our busy lifestyles to go outside and play with our kids. As parents we must do whatever it takes to promote a lifetime of healthy living.”
To find a pediatrician to discuss the health and wellness of your child, call 800-642-0101.