Related Research

Childhood Obesity: A Growing Epidemic

Childhood obesity is a serious medical condition that has been gaining attention in recent years. Current statistics show that the number of young children who are considered obese has increased at an alarming rate. Children who are overweight for their age and height are at risk for developing other problems later in life such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

What is most concerning about this epidemic, however, is that it is largely preventable. Excess weight in children is often caused by eating large quantities of high fat foods, getting minimal physical activity, and an increase in sedentary recreational activities such as television watching and video games.

Family Life Child Care Centers are working to keep our children on a healthy track by promoting good nutrition and physical activity through our involvement in the USDA food program and planned daily physical activity. We encourage all our families to partner with us to encourage healthy habits at home. This article from the National Child Care Resource and Referral Agency (NACCRRA) offers some great tips to help get you started.

Early childhood is the best time to start developing good habits to last a lifetime. Why not get the whole family involved?