Why Our Kids Might Not Live to a Ripe Old Age (And What We Can Do About It)

We’ve heard the statistics so many times that they no longer seem startling: More than 30 percent of U.S. adults and 17 percent of children are obese. What does that mean for America’s future? Experts predict kids these days will be the first generation to have a shorter lifespan than their parents, as obesity puts them at early risk for ailments typically associated with adulthood, including heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and even stroke — all of which can bring about visual complications and vision loss.

Now that’s startling. So what can families do?

For starters, do your best every week to stick to the “5-4-3-2-1-0” guidelines set forth by the Brenner FIT (Families in Training) Program at Brenner Children’s Hospital, Winston-Salem, N.C.:

• 5 or more servings of fruit and vegetables a day
• 4 sit-down family meals a week
• 3 scheduled meals a day to decrease snacking
• 2 hours of screen time a day at the most, including TV, internet, texting and videogames
• 1 hour of physical activity per day, divided into shorter spurts if desired
• 0 sugar-sweetened beverages a day

Studies show that families tend to eat smaller portions and healthier foods when they dine together at the table, with no TVs or gadgets. MyPlate.gov shows how to fix your plate to make a balanced, healthy meal. Colorful fruits and veggies should take up half the plate.

WebMD.com has downloadable wallet– and fridge-size portion size guides using kid-friendly comparisons. For example, a half cup of ice cream is about the size of a standard light bulb.

LetsMove.gov offers ideas on increasing physical activity as a family, from walking around the block after each meal to standing during TV commercials.

Use Free Printable Behavior Charts to track and reward healthy eating and physical activity. The same site offers printable reward coupons and “reward bucks” kids can save or spend on nonfood prizes.

Dr. Jeff Pinkerton
iCare for you.